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

At the Illinois museum, holograms of actual Holocaust survivors and witnesses can respond to questions from visitors. —Russell Contreras, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024

Against her better judgment she’s coerced by shady corporate overlord Atlas (Edgar Ramirez), or a glitchy hologram of him, into traveling to Pandora. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Aug. 2024

Talking about technologies like holograms, Rus suggests that one of the key achievements of AI will be in keeping people engaged and interested in what they’re being taught. —John Werner, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024

Take one of these 3D hologram projectors home for only $59.99 (reg. —Stack Commerce, Popular Science, 18 Sep. 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