Part 785

Ste"re*o*type (?), n. [Stereo- + -type: cf. F. stéréotype.] 1. A plate forming an exact faximile of a page of type or of an engraving, used in printing books, etc.; specifically, a plate with type-metal face, used for printing.

A stereotype, or stereotypr plate, is made by setting movable type as for ordinary printing; from these a cast is taken in plaster of Paris, paper pulp, or the like, and upon this cast melted type metal is poured, which, when hardened, makes a solid page or column, from which the impression is taken as from type.

2. The art or process of making such plates, or of executing work by means of them.

Stereotype block, a block, usually of wood, to which a stereotype plate is attached while being used in printing.

Ste"re*o*type, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Stereotyped (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Stereotyping (?).] [Cf. F. stéréotyper.] 1. To prepare for printing in stereotype; to make the stereotype plates of; as, to stereotype the Bible.

2. Fig.: To make firm or permanent; to fix.

Powerful causes tending to stereotype and aggravate the poverty of old conditions.

Duke of Argyll (1887).

Ste"re*o*typed (?), a. 1. Formed into, or printed from, stereotype plates.

2. Fig.: Formed in a fixed, unchangeable manner; as, stereotyped opinions.

Our civilization, with its stereotyped ways and smooth conventionalities.

J. C. Shairp.

Ste"re*o*ty`per (?), n. One who stereotypes; one who makes stereotype plates, or works in a stereotype foundry.

Ste"re*o*ty`per*y (?), n. 1. The art, process, or employment of making stereotype plates.

2. A place where stereotype plates are made; a stereotype foundry.

Ste`re*o*typ"ic (?), a. Of or pertaining to stereotype, or stereotype plates.

Ste"re*o*ty`pist (?), n. A stereotyper.

Ste`re*o*ty*pog"ra*pher (?), n. A stereotype printer.

Ste`re*o*ty*pog"ra*phy (?), n. [Stereo- + typography.] The act or art of printing from stereotype plates.

Ste"re*o*ty`py (?), n. [Cf. F. stéréotypie.] The art or process of making stereotype plates.

Ster`hy*drau"lic (?), a. [Stereo- + hydraulic.] Pertaining to, or designating, a kind of hydraulic press; resembling such a press in action or principle.

Sterhydraulic press, an hydraulic press producing pressure or motion by the introduction of a solid substance (as a long rod, or a cord wound on a roller) into a cylinder previously filled with a liquid.

Ster"ile (?), a. [F. stérile, L. sterilis, akin to Gr. stereo`s stiff, solid, stei^ros barren, stei^ra a cow that has not calved, Goth. stair, fem., barren. See Stare to gaze.] 1. Producing little or no crop; barren; unfruitful; unproductive; not fertile; as, sterile land; a sterile desert; a sterile year.

2. (Biol.) (a) Incapable of reproduction; unfitted for reproduction of offspring; not able to germinate or bear fruit; unfruitful; as, a sterile flower, which bears only stamens. (b) Free from reproductive spores or germs; as, a sterile fluid.

3. Fig.: Barren of ideas; destitute of sentiment; as, a sterile production or author.

Ste*ril"i*ty (?), n. [L. sterilitas: cf. F. stérilité.] 1. The quality or condition of being sterile.

2. (Biol.) Quality of being sterile; infecundity; also, the state of being free from germs or spores.

Ster`il*i*za"tion (?), n. (Biol.) The act or process of sterilizing, or rendering sterile; also, the state of being sterile.