Glossary

The PRINTING United Alliance Glossary serves as an excellent industry terminology resource. It is the language by which we all communicate. Without it, universal understanding would be impossible.

To keep our constituents well informed about changes to the increasingly complex industry terminology, PRINTING United Alliance has developed this glossary of terms. Definitions are for general reference only. Usage may vary between companies, individuals, or national and country customs. The information presented is as accurate as the authors and editors can ascertain and PRINTING United Alliance assumes no responsibility for the use of information presented herein.
  • Film negative/reverse
    A negative image made on photographic film.
  • Negative
    A photographic image on film where the black values in the original subject are transparent and the whie values are opaque.
  • Negative holder
    A device designed to hold a film negative in proper position in an enlarger during exposure.
  • Negative opaque
    An opaque brushing consistency liquid used to repair pinholes or other blemishes on negatives.
  • Negative plane
    The plane within a camera that is occupied by the film when ready to expose after proper focusing and removal of the ground glass.
  • Negative temperature coefficient
    A decrease in resistance with an increase in temperature.
  • Separation negative
    A photographic negative that has been imaged with a black-white record of one of the colors to be printed.
  • Thin negative
    A negative that is underexposed or underdeveloped.