lithography

American  

[li-thog-ruh-fee] / lɪˈθɒg rə fi /

noun

1. the art or process of producing a picture, writing, or the like, on a flat, specially prepared stone, with some greasy or oily substance, and of taking ink impressions from this as in ordinary printing.

2. a similar process in which a substance other than stone, as aluminum or zinc, is used.

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lithography British  

/ lɪˈθɒɡrəfɪ /

noun

1. a method of printing from a metal or stone surface on which the printing areas are not raised but made ink-receptive while the non-image areas are made ink-repellent

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Other Word Forms

• lithographer noun
• lithographic adjective
• lithographical adjective
• lithographically adverb
• unlithographic adjective

Etymology

Origin of lithography

From the New Latin word lithographia, dating back to 1700–10. See litho-, -graphy

Explanation

Lithography is a printmaking technique that's commonly used when text is being printed. Some artists also use lithography to print images. Unlike other forms of printmaking that involve carving a plate or block that's then coated with ink, in lithography the metal or stone plate is coated with a waxy material. Text or images are carved out of this coating and spread with an oily ink that only adheres to the coated surface. Maps, prints, newspapers, and many other items (often with both images and text) are printed this way. Lithography combines the Greek lithos, "stone," and graphein, "to write."

Example Sentences

ASML’s high-end lithography machines are roughly the size of a school bus and are among the most complex devices humans have ever created.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

These extreme ultraviolet lithography tools are essential for printing the chips in phones, computers and data centers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

However, on the call Fouquet stressed that its less advanced, non-extreme ultraviolet lithography sales were rising, in contrast to previous expectations he had communicated.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

It is the leader in lithography machines, which are central to chipmaking, and are specifically called out in the bill.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

In November he decides to learn the art of lithography, Theo’s suggestion long ago, so that he can become an illustrator.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman