Abdruck

Abdruck is a German noun with several related meanings centered on the idea of an impression produced by pressing or duplicating content. The term derives from ab- “away” and drucken “to print” and is used in different technical and everyday contexts.

In everyday language, Abdruck denotes a physical imprint or mark left by contact with a surface. Common examples include Fußabdruck (footprint), Handabdruck (handprint), and Fingerabdruck (fingerprint). The word can refer to any impression captured by pressing a surface against another material, producing a lasting trace of the contact.

In publishing and printing, Abdruck refers to a reproduction of a text or image in another publication or format, i.e., a reprint or republication. It can also denote the rights or permission required to publish someone else’s content, known as Abdruckrechte or the act of granting an Abdruck.

In dentistry, Abdruck has a specialized meaning: a dental impression used to create an accurate model of a patient’s teeth and gums. The process uses Abdruckmaterial (impression material) and trays to capture the dental anatomy, which is then used to fabricate restorations, crowns, bridges, or dentures.

In medical and laboratory contexts, Abdruck can describe an imprint prepared for analysis, such as an Abdruckpräparat (imprint specimen) produced by pressing tissue or cells onto a slide for microscopic examination or cytology.

Overall, Abdruck covers both tangible impressions and figurative or reproduced content, with specific technical uses in fields like dentistry, publishing, and medicine.