photolithography
/ˌfəʊtəʊlɪˈθɒɡrəfi/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A method used to make very small patterns on a surface, especially in making computer chips. It uses light to copy a design onto a material.
- Photolithography is used to make microchips.
- The factory uses photolithography to print tiny circuits.
- This step is important in chip production.
Adinary Nuance
Photolithography is more specific than printing or copying. It usually means a technical process in electronics, not ordinary photo printing. Writers choose it when they want to describe making tiny, exact patterns with light.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- quang khắc
- Spanish
- fotolitografía
- Chinese
- 光刻
- Japanese
- フォトリソグラフィー
- Korean
- 포토리소그래피
Etymology
Photolithography comes from Greek roots: photo- meaning 'light' and lithography meaning 'writing on stone'. The word entered English in the 19th century, and later became important in chip-making.
Common phrases
photolithography processphotolithography stepadvanced photolithography
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is photolithography used in everyday English?
- No, it is mainly used in science, engineering, and manufacturing.
- What is the difference between photolithography and lithography?
- Photolithography uses light to make patterns. Lithography is a broader word.
- Is photolithography related to computer chips?
- Yes. It is a key process in making microchips and semiconductors.
- How do I use photolithography in a sentence?
- You can say, 'Photolithography helps create tiny circuits on chips.'