ster|e|o|type

ster|e|o|type «STEHR ee uh typ, STIHR-», noun, verb, -typed, -typ|ing.

–n.

1. a method or process of printing in which a solid plate, usually of type metal, is cast from a mold of composed type; stereotypy. The mold, of papier-mâché, plastic, or rubber, is taken from the surface of a form of type, and the printing is done from the plate instead of the form.

2. a printing plate cast from a mold.

3. Figurative. a fixed form, expression, character, or image; something stereotyped; conventional type. Long John Silver, in Stevenson's Treasure Island, is the stereotype of a pirate. »

Its [a play's] villains are often more stereotypes than people (Wall Street Journal). Today we know that each immigrant's worth is best judged by personal qualities and skills, not by group stereotypes (New York Times).

–v.t.

1. to make a stereotype of.

2. to print from stereotypes.

3. Figurative. to give a fixed or settled form to.

╂[< French stéréotype < Greek stereós solid + týpos type]

–ster´e|o|typ´er, noun.