Definition

1. Noun:
   • A printing process: "gravure" refers to an intaglio printing technique where an image is engraved or etched into a surface (a plate), which is then inked and pressed onto paper.
   • A print or product: "gravure" can also denote a print or picture produced by this specific intaglio printing process.
   • The printing plate: In a technical context, "gravure" can mean the actual engraved or etched plate used in this printing method.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The artist specialized in gravure, creating fine lines and rich tones. (The artist specialized in the intaglio printing process, creating fine lines and rich tones.)
  • This beautiful gravure was made in the 19th century. (This beautiful intaglio print was made in the 19th century.)
  • The ink is held in the recesses of the gravure. (The ink is held in the recesses of the engraved plate.)

Advanced Usage

• Photogravure: A specific type of gravure where a photographic image is etched into a plate.

  • The book was illustrated with exquisite photogravures. (The book was illustrated with exquisite prints made by the photogravure process.)

• Rotogravure: A high-speed gravure printing process, often used for long print runs like magazines and packaging.

  • The Sunday newspaper supplement was printed using rotogravure. (The Sunday newspaper supplement was printed using the rotogravure process.)

Variants and Related Words

• Intaglio (n): The broader category of printing encompassing gravure, where the image is incised into a surface.
• Engraving (n): The act or art of cutting a design into a surface; also a print made from such a surface.
• Etching (n): A related intaglio process using acid to cut into a metal plate.

Synonyms

• Engraving: A general term for a print made from an incised plate.
• Intaglio print: A more technical term for a print made by any intaglio method, including gravure.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Gravure cylinder: The cylindrical printing plate used in rotogravure.
• Gravure press: The machine used for gravure printing.

Noun

1. the act of intaglio printing
2. an intaglio print produced by gravure
3. a printing plate used in the process of gravure
4. a printing process that uses an etched or engraved plate; the plate is smeared with ink and wiped clean, then the ink left in the recesses makes the print