Lithography, the method of printing from a flat stone or metal plate, is spelled with the phonemes /lɪˈθɒɡrəfi/. The first syllable, "li," is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by the voiceless dental fricative "th" in the second syllable. The third syllable, "o," is pronounced with an open-mid back rounded vowel, while "gra" is pronounced with a hard "g" and the schwa sound, /ə/. The final syllable, "phy," is pronounced with the voiceless labiodental fricative "f" and the long "e" sound.
Lithography is a printing technique that involves creating images or designs on a smooth, flat surface, typically a metal or stone plate. This process utilizes the principle of repulsion between water and oil-based substances to transfer ink onto paper or another material. The word "lithography" derives from the Greek words "lithos" meaning "stone" and "graphīa" meaning "writing."
In lithography, an image is drawn or etched onto the surface of a lithographic stone or plate using materials that are oil or grease-based. Next, the stone or plate is treated with a dampening solution to wet the non-image areas, which keeps them ink-repellent. Ink, which is oil-based, is then applied to the stone or plate and adheres only to the drawn or etched areas. The image is finally transferred onto a suitable material, such as paper, by pressing it against the inked surface.
Lithography allows for intricate and detailed images to be reproduced with remarkable accuracy. It is commonly used in the printing of books, posters, maps, packaging, and artwork. Additionally, lithography offers the ability to produce high-quality, full-color prints through the use of multiple plates, each carrying a different color ink.
This printing technique revolutionized the art of image reproduction, enabling the mass production of prints and contributing greatly to the dissemination of knowledge and visual communication. It remains valuable today as a versatile and widely practiced method of printmaking.
The art of placing or impressing on stone either letters or drawings in a manner suitable for printing from.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word lithography is derived from two Greek roots: lithos, meaning stone, and grapho, meaning to write or to draw. Hence, the term lithography essentially means writing or drawing on stone.