darkroom
UK: ˈdɑːkruːm | US: ˈdɑːrkruːm
n. a room intentionally kept dark or dimly lit, especially for developing photographs.
The word "darkroom" is a straightforward compound of "dark" (Old English deorc, meaning "absence of light") and "room" (Old English rūm, meaning "space" or "enclosed area"). It emerged in the 19th century with the rise of photography, where light-sensitive materials required controlled darkness for processing. The logical combination reflects its functional purpose—a space shielded from light to enable photographic development.
The photographer developed the film in the darkroom to avoid light exposure.
Modern digital photography has reduced the need for traditional darkrooms.
She spent hours in the darkroom perfecting her black-and-white prints.
The school’s art department still maintains a functional darkroom.
Without a darkroom, early photographers relied on portable tents for developing images.