chemigraphy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareTechnical / Historical
Quick answer
What does “chemigraphy” mean?
A printing process using a chemical method to create a printing plate, typically for photogravure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A printing process using a chemical method to create a printing plate, typically for photogravure.
Any chemical-based method for reproducing images or text, especially in the context of early photographic or printmaking techniques.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally archaic and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Historical technical process; may connote early industrial printing innovation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical texts on printing.
Grammar
How to Use “chemigraphy” in a Sentence
Chemigraphy is used for [producing high-quality prints].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chemigraphy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The image was chemigraphed onto the plate.
American English
- They chemigraphed the original photograph for the edition.
adjective
British English
- The chemigraphic process required a dusting of resin.
American English
- He studied chemigraphic techniques from the 19th century.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in historical papers on print technology and the evolution of photographic reproduction.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in very specific discussions among historians of printing, photography, and graphic arts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chemigraphy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chemigraphy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chemigraphy”
- Confusing it with 'lithography' or 'typography'. Misspelling as 'chemogrophy' or 'chemography'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a historical process largely replaced by photomechanical and digital methods.
A chemically etched metal plate (usually copper) used for intaglio printing, often to reproduce photographs.
No, it refers specifically to a family of 2D plate-making processes for printing on paper.
A light-sensitive gelatin coating on a copper plate, which is developed and then chemically etched.
A printing process using a chemical method to create a printing plate, typically for photogravure.
Chemigraphy is usually technical / historical in register.
Chemigraphy: in British English it is pronounced /kɛˈmɪɡrəfi/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɛˈmɪɡrəfi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think CHEMistry + graphY = CHEMIGRAPHY: using chemicals to create a graphical print.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRINTING IS A CHEMICAL REACTION.
Practice
Quiz
Chemigraphy is most closely associated with which field?