printing ink

noun

1. a type of ink that flows smoothly, dries quickly, and is of a consistency able to hold enough color to make printed matter legible: used to transfer the image on a press plate to the printing surface.

Word History and Origins

Origin of printing ink¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Substitute for lithographic stone; a firm, black, copying, printing ink; method for photographing in colors.

From Project Gutenberg

Having thus considered the products which are the principal raw materials of printing ink, we now come to the ink itself.

From Project Gutenberg

An impression is made with black printing ink on paper by passing it through the hand press.

From Project Gutenberg

Eugene went out, the smell of fresh printing ink in his nose, and the equally aggressive smell of damp newspapers.

From Project Gutenberg

It is also used in the manufacture of printing-ink; and we have now Cennino's authority for using it with blue pigments.

From Project Gutenberg