Word
raster
/ˈɹæstɝ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a grid of tiny squares of color that together make a picture on a screen or in a digital photo.
n. a rectangular grid of pixels scanned line by line to form an image on a display or in a digital file. Contrasts with vector graphics, which store shapes as mathematical paths rather than fixed dots.
Examples
“This photo uses raster graphics with tiny pixels.”
“The designer converts the logo to raster format before printing the poster.”
“Unlike vector images that scale cleanly, raster files lose sharpness when enlarged because their fixed grid of pixels becomes visible.”
Examples
simple
“This photo uses raster graphics with tiny pixels.”
contextual
“The designer converts the logo to raster format before printing the poster.”
complex
“Unlike vector images that scale cleanly, raster files lose sharpness when enlarged because their fixed grid of pixels becomes visible.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “raster” in context.
Verb
01. clip raster
“Clip the raster to focus on the coastal study area.”
verb + noun
02. raster degrades
“The raster degrades after repeated compression and resizing.”
noun + verb
Adjective
03. coarse raster
“A coarse raster looks blocky when you zoom in closely.”
adj + noun
04. digital raster
“The scanner produced a clean digital raster of the photograph.”
adj + noun
05. fine raster
“A fine raster preserves sharp detail at high magnification.”
adj + noun
06. georeferenced raster
“The georeferenced raster aligns precisely with the base map.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. raster cell
“Each raster cell stores a single elevation value.”
noun + noun
08. raster dataset
“The raster dataset covers the entire watershed at 10 metres.”
noun + noun
09. clip the raster to extent
“Clip the raster to extent to reduce the file size.”
10. convert vector to raster
“Convert vector to raster before running the overlay analysis.”
11. export map as raster
“Export the map as raster for use in the presentation.”
12. high-resolution raster image
“They downloaded a high-resolution raster image of the city.”
Usage
Often used attributively in phrases like 'raster image', 'raster graphics', and 'raster scan'.
Real-World Examples
“Aimed at illustrators, the application enables artists to utilize both vector and raster brushes, a capability that was previously separated in Adobe's Sketch and Draw applications.” Etymology
From German Raster, from Latin rāster, from rāstrum (“rake”, noun), from rādō (“to scrape”, verb).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
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/raster