noun
emulsion
A light-sensitive coating on photographic film or paper.
The film's emulsion reacts to light when the shutter opens.
Etymology
The Latin verb means to milk out. Emulsion first evoked a milky liquid; photography applied the name to the light-sensitive material dispersed in a coating medium.
More examples
- Handle photographic paper by the edges to protect the emulsion.
- Different film emulsions produce different levels of grain.
- A scratch in the emulsion leaves a mark on the print.
Forms
emulsion · emulsions
Similar words
- coating
- Describes any covering layer, not necessarily a light-sensitive one.