Word
emulsion
Phoneticsemul·sion
US/ɪˈməɫʃən/
UK/ɪmˈʌlʃən/
Definition
n. a mixture of two liquids that usually do not mix, like oil and water. In photography, it refers to a thin layer of chemicals on film that reacts to light to create an image.
n. a mixture of two immiscible liquids, such as oil and water, in which one is dispersed in the other. In the context of photography, it refers to a suspension of silver halide crystals in a gelatin emulsion on photographic film.
Examples
“The photographer used a high-speed emulsion to capture the fast-moving birds.”
“The quality of the final print depends largely on the sensitivity and grain structure of the film emulsion.”
“Early photographers struggled to stabilize the emulsion on glass plates, leading to the eventual development of more durable celluloid-based films that could withstand the rigors of transportation and storage.”
Examples
simple
“The photographer used a high-speed emulsion to capture the fast-moving birds.”
contextual
“The quality of the final print depends largely on the sensitivity and grain structure of the film emulsion.”
complex
“Early photographers struggled to stabilize the emulsion on glass plates, leading to the eventual development of more durable celluloid-based films that could withstand the rigors of transportation and storage.”
Real-World Examples
“This microfoam must then be ‘polished’ by swirling the pitcher against its base for 8–12 seconds to eliminate macro-bubbles and align fat globules into a cohesive, pourable emulsion.” Etymology
Borrowed from French émulsion, from New Latin ēmulsiō, ēmulsiōnis, based on Latin ēmulgeō (“I milk out, extract”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/emulsion