monotype
UK[ˈmɒnətaɪp]US[ˈmɑːnətaɪp]
n
a typesetting machine that casts and sets type in individual characters.
n
a print made by a monotype process, especially one from a metal plate on which a design is painted or etched.
n
the taxonomic status of a group that contains only one type, such as a genus with a single species.
Morpheme Breakdown
mono
type
mono
one, single
type
kind, model
Etymology
the word monotype is a modern scientific and technical compound, formed in english from two classical components. the first element, "mono-", is a direct borrowing from greek, signifying singularity and oneness. the second, "type", entered english via latin from a greek root with a core meaning of a mark or impression made by striking. this foundational idea of an impression evolved to signify a model or exemplar. when combined, the literal meaning "single kind" or "single model" logically gave rise to its specialized applications: a typesetting machine producing single characters, an art printmaking technique creating a unique impression, and a biological classification for a group containing only one representative type.
Analysis
Structure: mono (one, single) + type (kind, model)
mono: from greek μόνος (mónos), meaning "alone, single, sole". serves as a combining form meaning "one" or "single".
type: from latin typus, from greek τύπος (túpos), meaning "blow, impression, model, kind". serves as the base noun indicating a kind, form, or model.
Examples
the artist experimented with color and texture using the monotype technique.
the linotype machine was faster for newspapers, but the monotype allowed for finer corrections.
in biology, a monotypic genus contains only one species.