holography: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “holography” mean?
The science and practice of making three-dimensional images (holograms) using laser light.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The science and practice of making three-dimensional images (holograms) using laser light.
A photographic technique that records the light scattered from an object, and then presents it in a way that appears three-dimensional when illuminated.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. 'Holography' is used identically in both varieties. Minor orthographic preference for '-ise' endings in British academic texts (e.g., 'visualise') vs. '-ize' in American texts when discussing related processes.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. In popular culture, both varieties associate it with futuristic technology, security features, and entertainment.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language but standard in physics, engineering, and media arts contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “holography” in a Sentence
holography of [object]holography using [technique/tool]holography for [purpose]holography based on [principle]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holography” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb. The derived verb is 'holograph' but is exceedingly rare.
American English
- Not used as a verb. The derived verb is 'holograph' but is exceedingly rare.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The holography lab is in the new science building.
- They attended a holography demonstration.
American English
- The holography exhibit at the museum was crowded.
- He published a paper on holography techniques.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in contexts of security (holograms on banknotes, product authentication), advanced display technology, or R&D investment reports.
Academic
Common in physics, optics, engineering, and computer science journals and textbooks. Describes a precise scientific method.
Everyday
Very rare. If used, it's in simplified explanations of holograms seen in museums, on credit cards, or in science fiction.
Technical
The primary register. Used with precision to describe methods (e.g., digital holography, electron holography), setups, and theoretical principles.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “holography”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “holography”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holography”
- Using 'holography' to refer to the 3D image itself (correct: 'hologram').
- Misspelling as 'halography'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to holography' is incorrect; 'to create a hologram' or 'to use holography' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Holography' is the science and process of creating holograms. A 'hologram' is the resulting three-dimensional image or the physical medium containing that image.
Traditional holography produces static images. However, modern digital and computational techniques can create sequences of holograms, enabling holographic video or displays, though this is an advanced and developing field.
Yes, conventional holography requires a coherent light source, almost always a laser, to record the interference pattern that encodes the 3D information.
Yes, but often invisibly. Its most common applications are in security (banknotes, credit cards, passports), data storage (holographic memory), scientific measurement (holographic interferometry), and increasingly in heads-up displays and medical imaging.
The science and practice of making three-dimensional images (holograms) using laser light.
Holography is usually technical/scientific in register.
Holography: in British English it is pronounced /həˈlɒɡ.rə.fi/, and in American English it is pronounced /həˈlɑː.ɡrə.fi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable. The word is highly technical and not used idiomatically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HOLOgraphy makes a WHOLE (holo-) picture you can walk around, unlike a flat PHOTOgraphy.'
Conceptual Metaphor
HOLOGRAPHY IS CREATING A COMPLETE/THREE-DIMENSIONAL RECONSTRUCTION. (e.g., 'His report provided a holography of the market's complexities.')
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinction between holography and conventional photography?