noun
printing form; forme
Technical printing term for the assembled type or plate ready for printing. Often used in contexts like 活版を組む (to set type).
See also: 組版
印刷所で活版を組む職人が減っている。
The number of craftsmen who set type at printing shops is decreasing.
noun
letterpress printing; movable-type printing
Refers to the printing method itself, often contrasted with offset or digital printing. Also used in compounds like 活版印刷.
See also: 活版印刷
この本は活版で刷られた最後の作品だ。
This book is the last work printed by letterpress.
活版印刷はデジタル印刷より手間がかかる。
Letterpress printing takes more effort than digital printing.
Compound of 活 (living, movable) and 版 (printing plate/block), referring to movable type or letterpress printing. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is conventionally associated with traditional printing technology.