Photogram

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A method of creating an image on light-sensitive material by placing items directly on it and exposing the surface to light for a visual outcome
2. This process yields an image formed on a photosensitive medium by direct application of light on objects placed atop it
3. An image is produced on a light-sensitive surface through the direct placement of objects before exposing it to light

Etymology: A photogram is a picture made by placing an object directly on light-sensitive paper and exposing it to light, so the object leaves its shadow behind without any camera involved. The word is built from two Greek elements: "phos" (genitive "photos"), meaning light, and "gramma", meaning something written or drawn, which gives the sense of a light-written image. Together they describe a picture made by light itself. The "photo-" part is the same one found in photography, photosynthesis and photon, all from the Greek word for light. The "-gram" part, from "gramma", appears in words such as telegram and diagram, where it denotes something written or recorded. Put together, the components describe exactly what the process does: light writes the image.

Synonyms: photograph, image, picture, print, snapshot