vignette

Meaning

Noun

1. A running ornament consisting of leaves and tendrils, used in Gothic architecture.
2. A decorative design, originally representing vine branches or tendrils, at the head of a chapter, of a manuscript or printed book, or in a similar position.
3. Any small borderless picture in a book, especially an engraving, photograph, or the like, which vanishes gradually at the edge.
4. A short story or anecdote that presents a scene or tableau, or paints a picture.
5. The central pictorial image on a postage stamp.
6. The characteristic of a camera lens, either by deficiency in design or by mismatch of the lens with the film format, that produces an image smaller than the film's frame with a crudely focused border. Photographers may deliberately choose this characteristic for a special effect.
7. Any effect in a photographic picture where qualities vanish towards the edges.
8. A hardware deficiency (even occurring in most expensive models) of a computer display wherein the picture slants towards a colour or brightness towards the edges especially if viewed from an angle.
9. A small sticker affixed to a vehicle windscreen to indicate that tolls have been paid.

Verb

To make, as an engraving or a photograph, with a border or edge gradually fading away.

Synonyms

sketch

picture

description

essay

exposition

filming

illustration

map

mapping

photography

portrayal

representation

scan

skit

picture taking

taklpiece

vinette

characterization

trayle

delineation

Pronounced as (IPA)

/vɪnˈjɛt/

Etymology

Cognate with Middle English: vynet

In summary

First attested in 1751. From French vignette, diminutive of vigne (“vine”), from Latin vīnea, from vīnum (“wine”). Replaced earlier Middle English vynet.