dot matrix

Definition

A printer that creates images and text by striking a grid of pins against an ink ribbon to produce patterns of dots on paper, widely used in offices and homes from the 1970s through 1990s. Known for their loud noise and the perforated paper edges (tractor feed) they used.

Example Usage

The accountant printed the ledger on the dot matrix printer, and you could hear it running three rooms away.

Origin

From the method of composing characters and images from a matrix (grid) of individual dots.

Fun Fact

Dot matrix printers were so loud that many offices required sound-dampening covers; the noise is now iconic and nostalgic to those who grew up with them.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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