Definition & Meaning of "enlarger"

What is an "enlarger"?

An enlarger is a device used in traditional darkroom photography to project a negative image onto photographic paper, allowing for the creation of a larger print. It consists of a light source, a lens, and a holder for the film negative. By adjusting the height and focus of the enlarger, the size and sharpness of the projected image can be controlled. The photographic paper is then exposed to the light, which transfers the image from the negative onto the paper, and the print is developed through chemical processes.