collodion

[ kuh-loh-dee-uhn ]

noun

1. a yellowish, viscous, highly flammable solution of pyroxylin in ether and alcohol: used in the manufacture of photographic film, in engraving and lithography, and in medicine chiefly for cementing dressings and sealing wounds.

collodion

/ kəˈləʊdɪən; kəˈləʊdɪəm /

noun

1. a colourless or yellow syrupy liquid that consists of a solution of pyroxylin in ether and alcohol: used in medicine and in the manufacture of photographic plates, lacquers, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of collodion¹

1850–55; alteration of New Latin collodium < Greek kollṓd ( ēs ) glutinous ( kóll ( a ) glue + -ōdēs -ode ¹ ) + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of collodion¹

C19: from New Latin collōdium, from Greek kollōdēs glutinous, from kolla glue

Example Sentences

The artist, who was born in Germany and raised in Ayrshire, came across collodion glass plate photography while working at museums in Dumfries and the Hebrides.

From BBC

The aspect ratio changes into a square format and the lensing feels reminiscent of 19th century wet plate collodion photography.

From Los Angeles Times

As explained in an author’s note — one of the best moments in the book — the novel grew out of Palacio’s obsession with the wet collodion photographic printing process.

From New York Times

"For this project I used ordinary objects, like glassware, fruits and flowers and applied the wet plate collodion technique to turn them into something extraordinary."

From BBC

The method known as “wet plate collodion” involves wetting glass with various chemicals before inserting the plate into a camera and developing the photo.

From Seattle Times