halation

[ hey-ley-shuhn, ha- ]

noun

, Photography.

1. a blurred effect around the edges of highlight areas in a photographic image caused by reflection and scattering of light through the emulsion from the back surface of the film support or plate.

halation

/ həˈleɪʃən /

noun

1. photog fogging usually seen as a bright ring surrounding a source of light: caused by reflection from the back of the film

Word History and Origins

Origin of halation¹

First recorded in 1855–60; hal(o) + -ation

Word History and Origins

Origin of halation¹

C19: from halo + -ation

Example Sentences

When viewed from several feet away, the dots coalesce into a halation of amorphous color.

From Los Angeles Times

When viewed from several feet away, the dots coalesced into a halation of amorphous color.

From Los Angeles Times

In direct portrayal of the sun's corona during total eclipses, photography has offered superior advantages over visual sketching, in the form and exact location of the coronal streamers; but the extraordinary differences of intensity between the inner corona and its outlying extensions are such that halation renders a complete picture on a single plate practically impossible.

From Project Gutenberg

In cometary photography, much the same difficulties are present as in photographing the corona: if the plate is exposed long enough to get the faint extensions of the tail, the fine filaments of the coma or head are obliterated by halation and overexposure.

From Project Gutenberg

The same mixture makes an excellent backing for dry plates to prevent halation.

From Project Gutenberg