Definition of "monotype" [mon•o•type]

• Biology The sole member of its group, such as a single species that constitutes a genus. (noun)
• A unique print made by pressing paper against a painted or inked surface. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "It is called the monotype because it casts and sets up the type piece by piece."
• "The reason why the machine is called a monotype is that the letters are made one at a time, and _monos_ is the Greek word for _one_."
• "From here, head to Federico Bencini's, where you'll find a bright space full of his magnificent monotype prints created on wood and metal."