xerox

Definitions

A coined brand name, not a true ox- compound. It comes from Greek xeros 'dry' (the basis of 'xerography,' copying with dry toner powder instead of wet ink). The '-ox' ending was added for a science-y, oxygen-like sound. The trademark became a generic verb: to xerox = to photocopy.

Why It Means This

Xerox is the classic genericized trademark — a brand name that became an everyday verb, like 'google,' 'hoover,' or 'photoshop.' Despite the 'ox,' its root is xeros 'dry,' referring to the dry-toner copying process invented by Chester Carlson. It is included under ox by spelling resemblance only, not by shared origin.

Common Collocations

• 1.xerox a document复印文件
• 2.xerox copy复印件
• 3.xerox machine复印机

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Can you xerox these handouts before the meeting?

• 2.

  I left the xerox of the contract on your desk.

• 3.

  The old xerox machine jams every other page.