hologram

noun

ho·​lo·​gram ˈhō-lə-ˌgram  ˈhä- 

: a three-dimensional image reproduced from a pattern of interference produced by a split coherent beam of radiation (such as a laser)

also : the pattern of interference itself

Did you know?

A hologram is a picture of a "whole" object, showing it in three dimensions. We've all seen cheap hologram images on credit cards and ID cards (where they help prevent copying). Far more impressive are large holograms that take the form of a ghostly 3-D moving figure that you can walk around to see from all angles. Holograms were invented in 1947 but only perfected after the invention of the laser in 1960. Today they're used in such technologies as compact-disc players and checkout scanners, and holograms can be created of the inside of live internal organs to permit doctors to examine the organs in great detail. And soon televisions with hologram technology may enable us to watch in "3-D".

Examples of hologram in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After debuting in London Fashion week, a first-of-its-kind hologram digital experience by the Digital Fashion Designers Council (in partnership with MAD Global and Future Front Row) was finally introduced to audiences in Singapore. —Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

Visual effects and holograms have been incorporated, with plans to experiment with interactive formats in upcoming episodes. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Oct. 2024

With automation, the system can check in seconds both the liveness of the selfie—looking for movement or the use of a mask or photo in place of the live person—and the integrity of the document by matching features such as the font, hologram or any number of markers of authenticity. —Michael Engle, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

The hologram will wax poetic about a triumvirate of players known as the Big Three: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal. —Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 6 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

holo- + -gram

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hologram

noun

ho·​lo·​gram ˈhō-lə-ˌgram  ˈhäl-ə- 

: a three-dimensional picture made by a complex pattern of light (as laser light)

Medical Definition

hologram

noun

ho·​lo·​gram ˈhō-lə-ˌgram  ˈhäl-ə- 

: a three-dimensional image reproduced from a pattern of interference produced by a split coherent beam of radiation (as from a laser)

also : the pattern of interference itself