Definition

The practice of creating images or text by carving designs into wood blocks, which are then used for printing.

Example

The museum displayed beautiful examples of xylography from the 18th century.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of xylography?

Yeah, isn’t that the art of printing from woodblocks?

Exactly! I find it fascinating how they used to create illustrations that way.

It really is cool — it must have taken so much skill to master!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Xylography is formed from "xylo-" (from Greek "xylon", meaning wood) and "-graphy" (from Greek "grapho", meaning to write or draw). The term refers to the art of engraving on wood or printing from woodblocks.

Memory Tip

Think of 'wood' ('xylo-') being 'written' or 'drawn' upon ('-graphy') — that's what xylography means.

Visually Confused Words