shading
n. uncountable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈʃeɪdɪŋ// UK //ʃˈeɪdɪŋ// shad·ing
n. the dark parts of a drawing or picture that show where the light is blocked. You use it to make objects look solid and three-dimensional.
n. the representation of different values of light and dark in a two-dimensional image to create the illusion of depth or volume.
The artist used careful shading to make the ball look round.
By adding subtle shading under the jawline, the portrait painter successfully gave the face a sense of structure and weight.
The architect's sketch relied on cross-hatched shading to distinguish between the solid concrete walls and the transparent glass panels of the proposed atrium.
Usage
Often used in the context of visual arts or digital rendering; can be used countably when referring to specific techniques.