Printing Press

Definition

The printing press is a device for applying pressure to an inked surface resting upon a print medium (such as paper or cloth), thereby transferring the ink. It marked a revolution in communication and greatly impacted society by spreading literacy.

Related terms

Woodblock Printing: A technique for printing text, images or patterns used widely throughout East Asia and originating in China around AD 200-300.

Typography: The art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable and appealing when displayed.

Mass Communication: The process by which individuals and entities relay public information through mass media to large segments of the population at the same time. The printing press was a key tool in the evolution of mass communication.