stereotype

n. 1 a person or thing seeming to conform to a widely accepted type. B such a type, idea, or attitude. 2 printing-plate cast from a mould of composed type. v. (-ping) 1 (esp. As stereotyped adj.) Cause to conform to a type; standardize. 2 a print from a stereotype. B make a stereotype of. [french: related to *stereo-]

n. 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.