movable type

American  

noun

Printing.

1. type from which text is printed directly in which each character is on a separate piece of metal.

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Etymology

Origin of movable type

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

What a book is has certainly changed over time, as clay tablets, papyrus scrolls, parchment and quills have given way to codexes, movable type, mechanized printing processes and e-readers.

From New York Times

The same could all be said of Gutenberg’s movable type.

From Washington Post

He regards Mr. Berners-Lee’s 1989 invention as an innovation as significant as Johannes Gutenberg’s development of movable type in the 15th century.

From New York Times

The event, normally held in October, traces its roots to the 1400s not long after Johannes Gutenberg, a native of nearby Mainz, invented movable type and made mass production of books possible.

From New York Times

It took humanity 200,000 years to produce movable type, widespread literacy and enough leisure time to enjoy a book.

From Washington Post