backlighting

[bak-lahy-ting]

noun

a controlled technique of lighting, used in photography or the theater, in which a light is placed behind or at right angles to an object, person, or scene to produce such effects as depth or separation of subject and background.

Origin of backlighting

First recorded in 1950–55; back¹ + lighting

Also called rim lighting.

backlight

[bak-lahyt]

noun

Movies, Television. a light source placed behind an actor, object, or scene to create a highlight that separates the subject from the background.

verb (used with object), back·light·ed or back·lit, back·light·ing.

to illuminate (something) from behind.

Origin of backlight

First recorded in 1950–55; back¹ + light¹