Polaroid

/ˈpoʊlərɔɪd/ noun

Definition

A photograph taken with an instant camera that develops the image within minutes without needing a darkroom.

Etymology

Named after the Polaroid Corporation and their trademarked cameras, which used 'polarized' light technology. Though starting as a brand name, it became a generic term for instant photography.

Kelly Says

Polaroid is a trademark that became a common word—like 'kleenex' for tissues—which shows how successful products can literally change our language and take over the meaning of an entire concept!

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