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.

adjective

banal , bromidic , clichd , commonplace , corny , hackneyed , musty , overused , overworked , platitudinal , platitudinous , shopworn , stale , stereotyped , stereotypical , threadbare , timeworn , tired , warmed-over , well-worn , worn-out