Typecase meaning

A typecase is a cabinet used by printers to store and organize type for printing.


Typecase definitions

Word backwards esacepyt
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division type-case
Plural The plural of the word "typecase" is "typecases."
Total letters 8
Vogais (2) e,a
Consonants (5) t,y,p,c,s

Typecase refers to a case or drawer used to store movable type used in letterpress printing. In the early days of printing, each individual letter, number, and symbol was a physical object that needed to be organized and stored neatly to facilitate the printing process. These typecases were typically made of wood or metal and had compartments for each character.

History of Typecase

The use of typecases dates back to the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century. Before the invention of the printing press, books were painstakingly copied by hand, making them rare and expensive. The printing press revolutionized the way information was disseminated, and typecases played a crucial role in this process.

Types of Typecases

There are several different types of typecases, each designed to hold a specific set of characters. For example, a lowercase typecase would hold the smaller, more frequently used letters, while an uppercase typecase would hold the capital letters. There are also specialty typecases for numbers, punctuation marks, and other symbols.

Significance of Typecases

While modern printing methods have largely rendered typecases obsolete, they remain an important part of printing history. They serve as a physical reminder of the painstaking craftsmanship required to produce printed materials in the past. Typecases are also prized by collectors and museums for their historical value.

Overall, typecases are an essential part of the history of printing and are a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of communication technology.


Typecase Examples

  1. I need to organize the typecase with different fonts for the upcoming magazine.
  2. The printer was able to quickly find the right letter in the typecase to fix the typo.
  3. The old printing press still had a functioning typecase filled with metal letters.
  4. The typesetter carefully selected each letter from the typecase to create the perfect layout.
  5. The apprentice accidentally dropped the typecase, scattering the letters everywhere.
  6. The typecase was meticulously organized with different sections for uppercase and lowercase letters.
  7. The printing shop invested in a new typecase to improve efficiency and accuracy.
  8. Each letter in the typecase was individually crafted to ensure consistency in printing.
  9. The typesetter had to clean the typecase regularly to prevent buildup of dust and debris.
  10. The vintage typecase was a valuable collector's item for typography enthusiasts.


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  • Updated 16/06/2024 - 23:38:20