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

In much the same way as 3-D motion graphics, high speed photography, and even holograms have made their way into modern sport, so too the use of AI is becoming an increasing fixture in sports. —Kathleen Walch, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024

Hands, tablet and doctor with body hologram, overlay and dna research for medical innovation on app. —Dr. Scott Gottlieb and Shani Benezra, CNBC, 18 July 2024

The Doctor — created to be the emergency medical hologram aboard Federation starships — became the chief physician aboard the USS Voyager after it was stranded on the far side of the galaxy. —Adam B. Vary, Variety, 27 July 2024

The unit, which features Jon Bon Jovi as a 4K hologram, was installed by Proto Inc. in partnership with the venue and Big Plan Holdings. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 21 June 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