Riso
/ˈriːzoʊ/noun
A digital duplicating and printing process associated with Risograph machines, known for vivid colors and distinctive texture.
Did you know?Riso comes from the Japanese company Riso Kagaku, whose name uses 理想 (risō), meaning “ideal” or “utopia,” rather than an occult symbol or secret code.
Etymological Timeline
1946
Japanese
Riso Kagaku
“Name of the Japanese company founded by Noboru Hayama; Riso uses 理想 (risō), meaning “ideal.””
Late 20th Century
Japanese
Risograph
“A high-speed digital duplicator developed and marketed by Riso Kagaku.”
1980s
English
Risograph
“English name for the machine and its stencil-based printing process.”
21st Century
English
riso
“Informal shortened form referring to Risograph printing, especially in independent publishing and design.”
Modern English
English
riso printing
“A colorful, textured print method using digitally produced stencils and soy-based inks.”
Explore more surprising origins