Dot matrix.

In a general sense any arrangement of dots on a grid. However, the term is usually reserved for a specific type of now largely obsolete computer printer in which images are formed by a series of dots applied to the page by tiny electromagnetically-activated wires.

Dot matrix printers are thus the type of grindingly noisy printer common in the 1980s. Today these impact printers (so called as the image is formed by the direct physical impact of an object striking the paper through an ink-carrying ribbon, sort of like a typewriter) are not commonly seen - much quieter inkjet printers have usually taken their place. Impact dot matrix printers are only really useful today for printing of multi-part forms.

cf. inkjet, laser printer, raster.

Entry last updated 2002-04-03. Term 375 of 1487.

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