photocopy

UK: ˈfəʊtəʊkɒpi | US: ˈfoʊtoʊkɑːpi

Definition

  1. n. a photographic or xerographic reproduction of a document or image

  2. vt. to make a photographic or xerographic reproduction of a document or image

Structure
photo <light, from Greek *phōs*>copy <reproduction, from Latin *copia*>
Etymology

The word "photocopy" combines "photo," derived from Greek phōs (light), referencing light-based reproduction techniques, and "copy," from Latin copia (abundance, transcript). It emerged in the early 20th century to describe mechanical duplication processes (e.g., xerography) that use light to transfer images. The fusion reflects technological innovation in document replication.

Examples

  1. Please photocopy this contract for our records.

  2. The library charges 10 cents per photocopy.

  3. She handed me a faded photocopy of the original manuscript.

  4. Modern printers can photocopy and scan simultaneously.

  5. The photocopy machine jammed halfway through the job.