Reveals or uncovers something hidden, or makes something visible that was previously concealed. Can also mean to subject someone to risk or danger.
From Latin 'exponere', combining 'ex-' (out) and 'ponere' (to place). Entered English via Old French 'exposer' in the 15th century, maintaining the core meaning of placing something out in the open.
Photography borrowed this word because film literally gets 'exposed' to light to create an image - a perfect example of how technical processes adopt everyday language. The word captures both revelation (exposing secrets) and vulnerability (being exposed to elements).
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