Exactly what is a printer?

It's unfortunate and amusing that words used in the book business -- a business that exists to communicate -- often don't communicate enough.

Just as a "notebook" can be a notebook or a portable computer, and a "slate" may or may not be a portable computer, a "printer" has multiple meanings. If you use the word in your writing, make sure the context makes it obvious what you are referring to.

(above) A person who operates a printing press is a

PRINTER.

(above) A company that provides printing services is a

PRINTER.

The owner of the company,

even if she or he never has ink-stained hands,

could still be called a

PRINTER.

(above) The machine on your desk that prints is a

PRINTER.

(above) The big machine that prints books is a

PRINTING PRESS.

(above) The big machine that prints books on demand is a

DIGITAL PRINTING PRESS.

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Photos from USPS, Morris Printing Company,  HP, Times92.com, Xerox