lithography

noun

li·​thog·​ra·​phy li-ˈthä-grə-fē 

1

: the process of printing from a plane surface (such as a smooth stone or metal plate) on which the image to be printed is ink-receptive and the blank area ink-repellent

2

: the process of producing patterns on semiconductor crystals for use as integrated circuits

Examples of lithography in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As program manager, Prabhakar established and led several projects including a microelectronics office that invests in developing new technologies in areas such as lithography, optoelectronics, infrared imaging, and neural networks. —IEEE Spectrum, 10 Aug. 2024

China’s next-generation lithography tool—which uses a form of lithography one generation shy of Dutch industry leader ASML’s most advanced technology—is set to be launched this year, demonstrating China’s diminishing dependence on foreign chip-making tools. —Sihao Huang, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2023

Also, since chips used in appliances don't have to push the limits of lithography, the manufacturing gear is a lot cheaper. —Kerry A. Dolan, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

The East Fishkill lithography group had developed a noncontact 10:1 reduction step-and-repeat image projector. —IEEE Spectrum, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

litho- + -graphy, after French lithographie or German Lithographie (now Lithografie)

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

lithography

noun

li·​thog·​ra·​phy lith-ˈäg-rə-fē 

: a method of printing from a flat surface (as a smooth stone or metal plate) that has been prepared in such a way that only the areas meant to print will take ink