photocopy
UK[ˈfəʊtəʊˌkɒpi]US[ˈfoʊt̬oʊˌkɑːpi]
n
A paper copy of a document, picture, etc. made using a special machine that uses light
v
To make a photocopy of something
Morpheme Breakdown
photo
copy
photo
light
copy
reproduction
Etymology
The word 'photocopy' is a modern compound, formed in the early 20th century to describe a new technological process. Its first element, 'photo-', derives from the Greek root for "light", reflecting the core mechanism of the process which uses light to capture an image. The second element, 'copy', originates from Latin 'copia', which evolved from meaning "abundance" to a written "transcript" and finally to any reproduced duplicate. Thus, the word's literal logic is "a reproduction made by light", perfectly describing the function of the xerographic machines for which it was coined.
Analysis
Structure: photo (light) + copy (reproduction)
photo: From Greek 'phōs, phōt-' meaning "light". In this compound, it functions as a combining form indicating a relationship to light or photography.
copy: From Latin 'copia' meaning "abundance, transcript". In this compound, it functions as the base word meaning a reproduction or duplicate.
Examples
Please make a photocopy of your passport for our records.
The library charges ten cents per page to photocopy articles.
He handed me a faded photocopy of the original handwritten letter.