What does collate mean printing Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

In the context of printing, to collate means to combine or arrange different elements, such as pages, sections, or documents, in a specific order or sequence for printing or binding.

Examples

The printing press required the operator to collate the pages of the book before binding.
The collation process ensures that the documents are in the correct order for distribution.

Synonyms

Combine
Arrange

Antonyms

Separate
Disorder

Additional Information

Collation is a crucial step in the printing process, ensuring that the final product is accurate and complete. It requires attention to detail and manual effort to arrange the pages or documents in the correct order. In digital printing, collation can be automated using specialized software or computer programs.

Fine-tuned collation techniques are particularly important in high-quality printing applications, such as bookbinding, where the final product demands precision and attention to detail.

Etymology

The word “collate” originates from the Latin “colligere,” meaning “to gather together.” This term has been used in printing since the 15th century to describe the process of combining printed matter into a cohesive whole.

Usage Notes

In general, when collating printed materials, the goal is to ensure that all elements are in the correct order and sequence. This can be a manual or automated process, depending on the specific printing context.

Cultural References

In the film “The Shawshank Redemption,” the character Brooks Hatlen is a printer who has an intimate knowledge of the collation process.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

None

Related Words or Phrases

Bind

Sequence

Priority

Collocations

Use “collate” with “pages,” “documents,” or “sections” in a sentence:

Example sentence:

The printer expertly collated the pages of the book before binding.

Example sentence:

The administrator cared deeply about collating the documents in the correct order.

Frequency of Use

Collation is a relatively niche term used primarily in the printing and publishing industries.

Common Misspellings

Collit

Collatee