hologram

noun

ho·​lo·​gram ˈhō-lə-ˌgram How to pronounce hologram (audio) ˈhä- How to pronounce hologram (audio)
: a three-dimensional image reproduced from a pattern of interference produced by a split coherent beam of radiation (such as a laser)
also : the pattern of interference itself

Did you know?

A hologram is a picture of a "whole" object, showing it in three dimensions. We've all seen cheap hologram images on credit cards and ID cards (where they help prevent copying). Far more impressive are large holograms that take the form of a ghostly 3-D moving figure that you can walk around to see from all angles. Holograms were invented in 1947 but only perfected after the invention of the laser in 1960. Today they're used in such technologies as compact-disc players and checkout scanners, and holograms can be created of the inside of live internal organs to permit doctors to examine the organs in great detail. And soon televisions with hologram technology may enable us to watch in "3-D".

Examples of hologram in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Donetsk tour also includes hologram tributes to separatist rebels killed in fighting and a 6-foot rose sculpture made from shrapnel. Charles Maynes, NPR, 24 Feb. 2024 Once a play is made and the ball is no longer deemed usable, the ball is thrown over to the dugout where a special hologram sticker is placed on each ball. Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 28 Jan. 2024 Dhar jokingly threw out the suggestion of putting a hologram on stage, and the idea stuck. Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2024 My group records the digital holograms of these fingermarks and visualizes them in 3D on a computer. Partha Banerjee, Discover Magazine, 23 Jan. 2024 Cheetos has also set up a wedding chapel where people can get married by a Chester hologram, Tostitos is hosting a taco pop-up, and Pepsi is offering a booth where visitors confess their darkest secrets to Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua in a bid to win merch and game tickets. Li Goldstein, Bon Appétit, 9 Feb. 2024 In digital holography, this hologram, which is a 2D picture, is recorded in the digital camera. Partha Banerjee, Discover Magazine, 23 Jan. 2024 The Black Eyed Peas maestro — who once appeared as a hologram on CNN on the eve of Barack Obama’s election for some reason — is teaming up with an AI cohost to launch will.i.am Presents the FYI Show. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2024 Battle ready: Symphony San Jose is presenting an unusual concert this weekend, one that pits the orchestra’s cello soloist, Yves Dhar, against an AI hologram. Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hologram.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

holo- + -gram

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hologram was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near hologram

Cite this Entry

“Hologram.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hologram. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hologram

noun
ho·​lo·​gram ˈhō-lə-ˌgram How to pronounce hologram (audio) ˈhäl-ə- How to pronounce hologram (audio)
: a three-dimensional picture made by a complex pattern of light (as laser light)

Medical Definition

hologram

noun
ho·​lo·​gram ˈhō-lə-ˌgram How to pronounce hologram (audio) ˈhäl-ə- How to pronounce hologram (audio)
: a three-dimensional image reproduced from a pattern of interference produced by a split coherent beam of radiation (as from a laser)
also : the pattern of interference itself

More from Merriam-Webster on hologram

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