ambrotype

American  

[am-bruh-tahyp] / ˈæm brəˌtaɪp /

noun

Photography.

1. an early type of photograph, made by placing a glass negative against a dark background.

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ambrotype British  

/ ˈæmbrəʊˌtaɪp /

noun

1. photog an early type of glass negative that could be made to appear as a positive by backing it with black varnish or paper

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Etymology

Origin of ambrotype

1850–55, < Greek ámbro ( tos ) immortal ( ambrosia ) + -type

Example Sentences

The ambrotype, a popular and cheaper alternative to the daguerreotype in the 1850s, was made by creating a photographic negative on glass.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 26, 2023

The ambrotype given to Lame remained in the family and was inherited by Mary Davidson of Hendersonville, Tennessee.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 26, 2023

Lincoln’s old friend Gilmer, who was killed leading an Illinois infantry regiment during the Civil War’s 1863 Battle of Chickamauga, received one copy of the ambrotype.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 26, 2023

Black household servants who were close to the children were often compelled to sit for expensive ambrotype photographic portraits, as Jim had done.

From Washington Post • Apr. 10, 2022

They were discussing an ambrotype of herself, taken when she was thirteen, when a servant announced guests in the parlor.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 11, No. 24, March, 1873 by Various