orthochromatic
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to photographic film or plates that are sensitive to all visible light except red: "orthochromatic" describes a type of photographic material that is sensitive to blue, green, and yellow light but not to red light. This was common in early photography.
- Having normal or correct color perception: In a more general sense, "orthochromatic" can refer to something that reproduces colors correctly, though this usage is rare.
Usage Examples
- (The film was sensitive to most colors except red.)
- (These plates were not sensitive to red light, so a red safelight could be used.)
Advanced Usage
- "orthochromatic photography": A historical technique where film or plates are sensitive to a limited spectrum, often used for artistic effect.
- Many portraits from the 19th century were taken with orthochromatic film, giving skin tones a distinct look. (The film's limited color sensitivity affected the final image.)
Variants and Related Words
- Orthochromatism (noun): the quality or state of being orthochromatic.
- The orthochromatism of the film allowed for detailed black-and-white images. (The film's specific color sensitivity.)
Synonyms
- Color-correct: having accurate color reproduction.
- Panchromatic: sensitive to all visible light (a more advanced type of film than orthochromatic).
Related Idioms
- Orthochromatic vision: a term sometimes used metaphorically to describe seeing things in a limited or filtered way, though this is not a standard idiom.
- His orthochromatic vision of the problem ignored the red flags of danger. (He saw only part of the picture.)