Definition of hot type

automated composition technique that utilizes a machine to create properly spaced metal type in one complete line at a time. This solves some of the problems of manual composition, such as the storage, retrieval, and composition of individual type slugs. Hot type is melted down after use rather than returned to storage. It is used for newspapers, print advertisements, business forms, and all types of promotions. Hot type is not as versatile as computerized composition because word breaks at the end of each line must be operator controlled.

There are two types of hot-type composition. Monotype systems create individual slugs of metal type for each character or space. Linecasting machines create a solid line of metal type.