a striking and accurate representation of the object itself; also, a pair of magic lanterns for producing the
effect of dissolving views.
Stereoscope
(Ste"re*o*scope) n. [Stereo- + -scope.] An optical instrument for giving to pictures the
appearance of solid forms, as seen in nature. It combines in one, through a bending of the rays of light,
two pictures, taken for the purpose from points of view a little way apart. It is furnished with two eyeglasses,
and by refraction or reflection the pictures are superimposed, so as to appear as one to the observer.
In the reflecting stereoscope, the rays from the two pictures are turned into the proper direction for
stereoscopic vision by two plane mirrors set at an angle with each other, and between the pictures. In
the lenticular stereoscope, the form in general use, the eyeglasses are semilenses, or marginal portions
of the same convex lenses, set with their edges toward each other, so that they deflect the rays coming
from the picture so as to strike the eyes as if coming direct from an intermediate point, where the two
pictures are seen apparently as one.
Stereoscopic
(Ste`re*o*scop"ic Ste`re*o*scop"ic*al) a. Of or pertaining to the stereoscope; characteristic
of, or adapted to, the stereoscope; as, a stereoscopic effect; the stereoscopic function of the eyeglasses;
stereoscopic views. — Ste`re*o*scop"ic*al*ly, adv.
Stereoscopist
(Ste`re*os"co*pist) n. One skilled in the use or construction of stereoscopes.
Stereoscopy
(Ste`re*os"co*py) n. The art or science of using the stereoscope, or of constructing the
instrument or the views used with it.
Stereostatic
(Ste`re*o*stat"ic) a. [Stereo- + static.] (Civil. Engin.) Geostatic.
Stereotomic
(Ste`re*o*tom"ic Ste`re*o*tom"ic*al) a. Of or pertaining to stereotomy; performed by stereotomy.
Stereotomy
(Ste`re*ot"o*my) n. [Stereo- + Gr. to cut: cf. F. stéréotomie.] The science or art of cutting
solids into certain figures or sections, as arches, and the like; especially, the art of stonecutting.
Stereotype
(Ste"re*o*type) n. [Stereo- + -type: cf. F. stéréotype.]
1. A plate forming an exact faximile of a page of type or of an engraving, used in printing books, etc.; specifically,
a plate with type-metal face, used for printing.
A stereotype, or stereotypr plate, is made by setting movable type as for ordinary printing; from these a
cast is taken in plaster of Paris, paper pulp, or the like, and upon this cast melted type metal is poured,
which, when hardened, makes a solid page or column, from which the impression is taken as from type.
2. The art or process of making such plates, or of executing work by means of them.
Stereotype block, a block, usually of wood, to which a stereotype plate is attached while being used in
printing.
Stereotype
(Ste"re*o*type), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Stereotyped ; p. pr. & vb. n. Stereotyping ] [Cf. F.
stéréotyper.]
1. To prepare for printing in stereotype; to make the stereotype plates of; as, to stereotype the Bible.
2. Fig.: To make firm or permanent; to fix.
Powerful causes tending to stereotype and aggravate the poverty of old conditions.
Duke of Argyll Stereotyped
(Ste"re*o*typed) a.
