printing ink

noun

1. a type of ink that flows smoothly, dries quickly, and is of a consistency able to hold enough color to make printed matter legible: used to transfer the image on a press plate to the printing surface.

Word History and Origins

Origin of printing ink¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

It’s a multistage process that usually involves photographic stencils, acrylic paint, squeegees, mesh screens, photographic emulsion and printing inks.

From Washington Post

Their 3D printing ink is made from coffee grounds, egg shells and other food items that are dried and blended with resins.

From Washington Post

She stenciled on the design, slathering on bright red or white block printing ink with a roller.

From Los Angeles Times

When the black printing ink used by Morris’s company starts to leave mysterious yellow stains, the resulting horror is palpable and the hunt for an explanation nearly as gripping as a Detection Club mystery.

From Washington Post

Margin sizes, forms and printing ink might be the last thing on your mind as deadline day approaches.

From Nature