abrasion resistance
A material's ability to resist deterioration or destruction by rubbing. Alternative term: rub resistance.
absorbency
A material's ability to take up liquids or vapors (e.g., water).
accordion fold
A pair or more of parallel folds forming alternating peaks and valleys. The result resembles an accordion bellows. Alternative term: fanfold.
acetate base
A transparent clear or colored plastic film used to create overlays. Also used as a stripping base.
achromatic
No color or hue. (Black and white or grey.)
acid-free paper
A paper containing no acidity or acid producing chemicals.
acrylic ink
A polymer ink with exceptional flexibility and durability; suitable for exterior applications.
acutance
The sharpness of a printed shape's edge against its background.
additive color process
A method of creating a color image by mixing red, green, and blue lights (e.g. a color computer monitor).
additive primaries
The colors red, green, and blue. See also: additive color process , subtractive primaries.
additives/modifiers
Substances added to ink that promote abrasion resistance, blocking resistance, pinholing resistance, adhesion, slip, and film flexibility.
adhesion
Sticking two surfaces together by chemical or mechanical means.
alignment
Positioning type characters along a horizontal line. See also; justification.
analog
Like an image composed of black, white and all shades of gray, an analog electrical signal is can be on, off, or everything in between. See also: digital.
aniline printing
Other term: flexography.
anti-aliasing
The process of averaging between pixels of different colors. In practice, the result is a smoother, blended transition between the edge of two areas rather than a distinctly jagged or 'stair-step' appearance. See also: dithering.
antique finish
Paper with an off white cream color or rough texture.
array processor
A special high speed computer capable of performing the large, complex calculations required to process images.
art paper
A paper coated with fine clay to produce a smooth, hard surface. Often used for printing halftones.
assembling
Gathering all the component pages of a book or manual and ordering them in correct sequence for binding. See also: collate; gathering; inserting.
autopositive
Photographic film or other materials that produce a visually equivalent image to the original. A photocopy produces a similar effect.