subtractive process

American  

noun

1. a process of color photography in which the colors are formed by combination of cyan, yellow, and magenta lights.

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subtractive process British  

noun

1. a photographic process in which all but the desired colours are removed by passing the illuminating light through subtractive filters Compare additive process

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Etymology

Origin of subtractive process

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

It is a subtractive process that starts with a solid block, usually stone, which is highly resistant to the sculptor’s chisel.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson