Definition of printer

The word "printer" has its roots in the Latin word "imprimere," meaning "to press" or "to imprint." This reflects the core function of printing - transferring ink from a surface (like a printing plate or a computer file) onto paper or another medium. The term evolved through Middle English and Old French, where "imprimer" became "printen" and then "printer," finally arriving at the modern English word. It's a direct lineage from the physical act of pressing ink onto a surface, demonstrating the enduring connection between the word and its original meaning.