Gravures

/ɡrəˈvjʊərz/ noun

Definition

Plural of gravure; fine art prints made by engraving designs onto metal plates and transferring the image to paper through printing.

Etymology

From French gravure, derived from graver meaning 'to engrave.' The word entered English in the 17th century as the technique of engraving artwork became popular in Europe, with the plural form indicating multiple engravings or prints.

Kelly Says

Gravures were the Instagram of the 1600s—artists would create one intricate engraving and print dozens of copies to share their work widely, making fine art accessible before photography existed!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.