printed

Printed is the past participle of the verb print and is used as an adjective to describe text, images, or objects produced by printing. A printed item carries text or imagery that has been transferred from a matrix to a substrate, typically paper, through a printing process.

Printing is a method of reproducing images and characters by applying ink or toner to a surface. The term "printed" encompasses a range of techniques, including relief printing (such as letterpress), offset lithography, intaglio, screen printing, flexography, and digital printing. Each method uses different mechanisms to transfer an image from a matrix to a substrate.

Historically, movable type and later mechanical presses enabled the mass production of books, newspapers, and other documents, contributing to literacy, standardization of information, and the spread of ideas. The term "printed" now also covers items created by contemporary digital printers, which can produce small or large runs with high fidelity.

Printed materials include books, magazines, newspapers, packaging, labels, posters, and forms. In everyday language, "printed" is often contrasted with handwritten or carved inscriptions, and is used to distinguish commercially produced text from manuscript or engraved text.

Etymology and usage: The word print derives from Latin imprimere via Old French imprimer, meaning to press into or imprint. In modern English, "printed" functions as both a past tense verb form (they printed the report) and an adjective describing the result of printing.