photograph

UK: ˈfəʊ.tə.ɡrɑːf | US: ˈfoʊ.t̬oʊ.ɡræf

Definition

  1. n. an image created by capturing light on a photosensitive surface

  2. vt. to take a picture using a camera

Structure
photo <light>graph <write/draw>
Etymology

The word "photograph" combines two Greek-derived morphemes:

  • "photo" (from Greek phōs/phōt-, meaning "light")
  • "graph" (from Greek graphein, meaning "to write/draw").
    Coined in 1839 by Sir John Herschel, it literally means "drawing with light," reflecting the scientific process of early photography where light chemically "writes" an image onto a surface.
Examples

  1. She took a photograph of the sunset.

  2. The museum displayed an antique photograph from the 19th century.

  3. He photographs wildlife for National Geographic.

  4. This photograph captures the emotion of the moment perfectly.

  5. Early photographs required long exposure times.