lithography

noun

li·​thog·​ra·​phy li-ˈthä-grə-fē 

1

: the process of printing from a plane surface (such as a smooth stone or metal plate) on which the image to be printed is ink-receptive and the blank area ink-repellent

2

: the process of producing patterns on semiconductor crystals for use as integrated circuits

Examples of lithography in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fabrication of advanced artificial intelligence chips and high bandwidth memory requires continuous, high-volume flows of ultra-high purity gases, such as nitrogen, argon, and helium, for lithography, chemical vapor deposition, and wafer purging. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Factory floor gets smarter One of the main features planned for BIC North is ASML’s new flow factory, a manufacturing model designed for its TWINSCAN lithography systems. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026

Compared to older deep ultraviolet lithography, EUV technology harnesses a more powerful source of light with a shorter wavelength to create even smaller features on silicon wafers. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 8 Sep. 2026

Then came lithography, serigraphy, photography, digital printing and everything that followed. — Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 22 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

litho- + -graphy, after French lithographie or German Lithographie (now Lithografie)

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lithography

• arthrography
• biography
• cartography
• cosmography
• cryptography
• demography
• discography
• echography
• ethnography
• filmography
• geography
• hydrography

Kids Definition

lithography

noun

li·​thog·​ra·​phy lith-ˈäg-rə-fē 

: a method of printing from a flat surface (as a smooth stone or metal plate) that has been prepared in such a way that only the areas meant to print will take ink