gravure

noun

gra·​vure grə-ˈvyu̇r 

grā-

plural gravures

: a process for printing from an intaglio plate

In intaglio or gravure printing, minute depressions or cells are etched into the printing plate. These are filled with ink which is transferred to the paper after the excess ink on the unetched areas has been scraped off …

—J. A. C. Yule

especially : such a process where the plate is prepared by photographic methods : photogravure

In photoengraving, a similar process, photoengravers produce metal plates or gravure cylinders for reproduction of copy.

—Occupational Outlook Handbook

Examples of gravure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Using the gravure method, Trachtman creates works that seem more like emanations than photographs. —BostonGlobe.com, 2 June 2021

Plus there are still plenty of bite-sized distractions in Kamurocho and Sotenbori—like arcades with fully functional Virtual-On cabinets, mahjong parlors, and... live-action gravure photography. —Steven Strom, Ars Technica, 28 Aug. 2018

In the two photo-gravures here, Miller’s body is enmeshed in white lines, as if turned on by the current. —Richard B. Woodward, WSJ, 18 Sep. 2017

Then rotogravure (color gravure) in the magazines allowed people to shoot in color and that introduced a new element certainly in photojournalism. —Pete Brook, WIRED, 15 Nov. 2012

Word History

Etymology

French, from graver to cut, engrave, from Old French, to make a line, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German graban to dig, engrave — more at grave entry 5

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above