Stereolithography
/ˌstɛr.i.oʊ.lɪˈθɑː.ɡrə.fi/noun
A 3D-printing process that uses light to harden liquid resin layer by layer.
Did you know?Stereolithography was coined in the 1980s from Greek roots, but its core idea is ancient: turning invisible pattern into physical form through a controlled act of making.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
stereós
“solid, firm”
Ancient Greek
Greek
líthos
“stone”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-graphía
“writing, drawing, description”
1980s
English
stereolithography
“a method of making solid objects by curing liquid photopolymer with light”
Modern English
English
stereolithography
“3D printing by light-induced layer-by-layer solidification”
Explore more surprising origins