What does holography mean?
Holography is the technique of recording and displaying three-dimensional images by capturing and reconstructing the wavefronts of light. Unlike an ordinary photograph, a hologram can preserve information about depth and parallax, allowing the recorded object to appear at different angles as the viewer moves. The term can refer both to the underlying scientific method and to its artistic application, including portraiture, installations, and illuminated displays. Holography became widely associated with laser-based recording in the mid-20th century, although the principle was developed earlier as a method of wavefront reconstruction. In everyday discussion, the word often evokes futuristic displays, even though many holograms are flat images that depend on viewing conditions to produce their three-dimensional effect. It is normally used as an uncountable noun: people speak of “using holography” or “a holography display” rather than referring to a single hologram as “a holography.”
nounThe technique of producing or displaying holograms, especially by recording and reconstructing light waves so that a three-dimensional image appears to occupy space.
- The scientific and artistic technique of recording and displaying three-dimensional images using coherent light.
"The museum used holography to display a rotating model of the ancient machine."
"Advances in digital holography are making three-dimensional displays more practical."
"The exhibition explores holography as both a scientific method and an art form."
The plural is uncommon. It may refer to separate acts, techniques, or works of holography.
"The book compares the photographic holographies created by different laboratories."
Its name joins the Greek words for “whole” and “write,” a fitting description of a process that records an entire wavefront of light.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does holography come from?
The term was coined in the mid-20th century for the process of recording and reconstructing a complete wavefront. It combines the Greek holos, meaning “whole,” with graphein, meaning “to write,” reflecting the technique’s preservation of the whole three-dimensional light field. Its derivatives include hologram, holographic, holographically, and holographer.
Related word forms
How holography is actually used
Holography is a technical term used in science, technology, and art. It is generally uncountable in ordinary use, although the plural “holographies” can refer to separate acts or instances of the technique.