Definition & Meaning of "emulsion"

Emulsion

NOUN

a mixture of two liquids where tiny droplets of one are evenly dispersed in the other, like oil in water

Example

Mayonnaise is an example of an emulsion, with oil and vinegar forming a stable mixture through the addition of egg yolk as an emulsifying agent.

Emulsions in salad dressings combine oil and vinegar, allowing them to mix temporarily before eventually separating without an emulsifier.

a light-sensitive coating applied to photographic film or paper, consisting of a suspension of silver halide crystals in a gelatin or other binder

What is "emulsion"?

Emulsion is a light-sensitive layer applied to photographic film or paper that captures images. It contains tiny crystals of silver salts suspended in a gelatin or similar substance. When exposed to light, these silver salts react to form an invisible image. During development, the emulsion's light-sensitive areas are processed to reveal a visible image. This layer is crucial for recording and producing photographs, whether on film or in print.