graphic arts

American  

plural noun

1. Also called graphics.  the arts or techniques, as engraving, etching, drypoint, woodcut, lithography, and other methods, by which copies of an original design are printed from a plate, block, or the like.

2. the arts of drawing, painting, and printmaking.

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graphic arts British  

plural noun

1. any of the fine or applied visual arts based on drawing or the use of line, as opposed to colour or relief, on a plane surface, esp illustration and printmaking of all kinds

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Etymology

Origin of graphic arts

First recorded in 1660–70