aperture
AP-er-cher
/ˈæpərtʃər/
An adjustable circular opening inside a camera lens that regulates the amount of light reaching the sensor or film.
Specifically refers to the physical opening within the lens, measured in f-stops, which also directly controls the depth of field (how much of the image is in focus).
The story behind the word. The word 'aperture' comes directly from the Latin 'apertura', which means 'an opening'. It entered Middle English in the late 14th century to describe any physical gap or opening. It wasn't until the mid-19th century, with the invention of photography, that scientists and inventors adopted the term to describe the adjustable diaphragm inside a camera lens that mimics the pupil of the human eye.
Word relationships
- opening: 'Opening' is a general term for any space that allows passage, whereas 'aperture' is specifically an adjustable optical mechanism.
- orifice: 'Orifice' is typically used in anatomical or mechanical contexts and lacks the optical connotation of 'aperture'.
- closure: 'Closure' refers to the act or state of being closed, whereas 'aperture' is inherently an opening.
Commonly confused with
- shutter: Aperture controls the volume of light by changing the size of the opening; the shutter controls the duration of light by changing how long the opening remains open.
Word family
- apertural (adjective): Pertaining to or resembling an aperture.
Collocations
- wide aperture
- narrow aperture
- maximum aperture
- aperture setting
Example sentences
- "To achieve a shallow depth of field for a portrait, you should select a wide aperture such as f/1.8." A technical guide explaining how to shoot portraits with a blurry background.
Memory hook
Think of an 'apron' opening up wide to catch crumbs. An aperture is the opening that lets light in. Aperture is the opening.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'shutter', which controls the duration of light, or 'lens' itself, which is the entire glass assembly.
Fun facts
- The human iris functions exactly like an automatic aperture, dilating in the dark and contracting in bright light to protect the retina.
Related words
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