grain

Definition: (1) In photographic film: the individual silver (or other metal) particles that make up the image of a developed and fixed, possibly also toned, black and white film. * In the case of colour film, with exception of Polachrome, grain comprises the individual dye clouds that make up the image of a developed film. (2) In photographic print: the appearance of individual specks comprising the image in monochrome papers, caused by exposure of the paper through gaps between the grain of film or between the dye clouds of colour films. * The specks in a print are themselves made up of individual grains. (3) On paper or other substrate for printing: the texture of the surface, given by the calendering and other finishing stages during paper manufacture.

Related Terms: gr

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