dot-matrix printer

[dɑt ˈmeɪtrɪks ˈprɪntər]
nounpl: dot-matrix printers
impressora matricial
1. A type of computer printer that creates images by striking an ink-soaked ribbon with a matrix of pins, producing characters and graphics as a pattern of dots
The dot-matrix printer was the standard office equipment in the 1980s and early 1990s.
A impressora matricial era o equipamento padrão de escritório nos anos 1980 e início dos anos 1990.
2. A printer that produces output on continuous form paper with perforated edges, commonly used for business documents and reports
The company used a dot-matrix printer to generate its weekly invoices on continuous paper.
A empresa utilizava uma impressora matricial para gerar suas faturas semanais em papel contínuo.
The dot-matrix printer was iconic in 1980s-1990s offices in both Brazil and the USA, particularly for business environments. In Brazilian Portuguese, the term 'impressora matricial' became the standard technical designation. These printers are now largely obsolete but remain nostalgic symbols of pre-digital office culture. In Brazil, some legacy systems still use dot-matrix printers for generating official documents and receipts with carbon copies.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
matrix printerimpact printerneedle printer
Antonyms / Antônimos
inkjet printerlaser printerthermal printer

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
impressora matricial
Standard term used throughout Brazil
Brazil (informal)
impressora de agulhas
Colloquial term referring to the needle pins
São Paulo
impressora matricial
Technical/business terminology
Portugal
impressora de matriz de pontos
More formal, descriptive Portuguese term

Related Words

pin impactcontinuous form paperink ribbonprint headtypeface cartridgetractor feed
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