impact printer
C1Technical, Historical
Definition
Meaning
A type of computer printer that works by physically striking an inked ribbon against the paper, such as a dot-matrix or daisy-wheel printer.
Historically, a common type of printer for producing multipart forms and continuous stationery, now largely obsolete in favour of non-impact printers like inkjet and laser printers.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is defined by its mechanical action (impact) and is almost exclusively used in contrast to 'non-impact printer'. It is a compound noun where 'impact' functions as a noun adjunct.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms may follow regional conventions (e.g., 'colour' vs. 'color' in documentation).
Connotations
Equally technical and dated in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low and declining in both varieties, confined to historical discussions, IT legacy system contexts, or specific industrial applications.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [noun] uses an impact printer.We replaced the impact printer with a laser model.An impact printer is good for [purpose].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Mentioned in contexts of upgrading office equipment or discussing legacy systems for printing invoices or multipart forms.
Academic
Used in computer science or history of technology courses to describe early printing methods.
Everyday
Rarely used; a younger person might not know the term.
Technical
Precise term in IT hardware classification and procurement for specific industrial or legacy applications.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The impact-printer mechanism is quite robust.
- We need impact-printer ribbons.
American English
- The impact-printer technology is outdated.
- They sell impact-printer parts online.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The office has a very noisy impact printer.
- This impact printer uses a ribbon.
- For printing carbon copies, an impact printer is still necessary.
- We phased out our last impact printer five years ago.
- Legacy banking systems often rely on impact printers for generating cheques and receipts.
- The defining characteristic of an impact printer is the direct mechanical contact used to form characters.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a typewriter hitting a page—an IMPACT printer makes a physical IMPACT on the paper.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRINTING IS PHYSICAL STRIKING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'impact' as 'влияние' here. The correct technical term is 'ударный принтер'.
- Do not confuse with 'струйный принтер' (inkjet) or 'лазерный принтер' (laser), which are non-impact types.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'impact printer' to refer to any old printer (many old printers are non-impact).
- Misspelling as 'impakt printer'.
- Confusing it with a specific brand rather than a technology type.
Practice
Quiz
What is the main advantage of an impact printer over a laser printer?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but rarely. They are used in specific niches where multipart forms are needed (e.g., invoices, delivery notes, point-of-sale systems) or in environments where extreme durability or compatibility with legacy systems is required.
The dot-matrix printer is the most common and recognisable type, using a grid of pins to form characters.
The noise comes from the print head or wheel physically striking the ribbon against the paper multiple times per second.
Non-impact printers like inkjet and laser printers replaced them for general use because they are quieter, faster, and produce higher quality text and graphics.