stop down

verb

stopped down; stopping down; stops down

transitive verb

: to reduce the effective aperture of (a lens) by means of a diaphragm

Examples of stop down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 18-55mm's depth of field is quite slim when focusing close, even with the aperture stopped down. PCMAG, 2 Dec. 2024 In this mode, the ZV-1 II will detect when another face comes into the scene and automatically stops down the aperture to keep everyone in focus. Simon Hill, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024 Those stopping down can get a large one-topping pizza for $8.99 and sides for $5 apiece, according to regional director of operations Matt Reynolds. Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 5 Oct. 2024 The Nets got within one in the fourth, but stops down the stretch kept Brooklyn at bay. Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 13 Apr. 2024 Stars also appear quite sharp; the Fisheye is clearly tuned to get its best wide-open pictures for distant subjects, so there's no need to stop down as is the case when focusing close. PCMAG, 20 May 2024 Landscape photographers sometimes stop down all the way to create multipoint sunstars in photos, but the 800mm focal length is not ideal for landscape scenes that incorporate the sun. PCMAG, 25 Apr. 2024 The Provosts are inviting customers to stop down for a meal and a goodbye. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 8 Apr. 2024 Wide-open resolution is a little better (4,200 lines) at the 50mm focal length, and the lens delivers similarly strong results stopped down as at 28mm. PCMAG, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stop down was circa 1891

Dictionary Entries Near stop down

Cite this Entry

“Stop down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stop%20down. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!