a process, now often replaced by more advanced methods, for making metal printing plates by taking a mold of composed type or the like in papier-mâché or other material and then taking from this mold a cast in type metal.

a plate made by this process.

a set form; convention.

Sociology . a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group

The cowboy and Indian are American stereotypes.

to make a stereotype of.

to characterize or regard as a stereotype

The actor has been stereotyped as a villain.

to give a fixed form to.

noun

difference

verb

differentiate , dissimilate

noun

average , boilerplate , convention , custom , fashion , formula , institution , mold , pattern , received idea , banality , bromide , commonplace , platitude , truism

verb

catalogue , conventionalize , define , dub , institutionalize , methodize , normalize , pigeonhole * , regulate , standardize , systematize , take to be , typecast , categorize , convention , mold , pattern , standard