Cyanotype
/ˈsaɪ.ə.nəʊ.taɪp/noun
A photographic printing process that produces a distinctive blue image using light-sensitive iron compounds.
Did you know?Invented by Sir John Herschel in 1842, cyanotypes became an early form of blueprinting and were famously used by Anna Atkins to create pioneering books of photographic botanical specimens.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kye-wə-
“A reconstructed root associated with dark or blue colors; its exact development is debated.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kyanos
“Dark-blue substance or blue color, especially a deep mineral-like blue.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
typos
“A mark, impression, figure, or form made by striking.”
19th Century
English
cyanotype
“A coined scientific term combining Greek kyanos, “dark blue,” with typos, “impression.””
1842
English
cyanotype
“Sir John Herschel’s photographic process for making permanent blue images with iron-based light-sensitive chemicals.”
Modern English
English
cyanotype
“A blue photographic print, commonly used for botanical images, artwork, and architectural plans.”