Definition, synonyms and related words
A box containing a source of light and a white, translucent cover, used to view photographic transparencies.
"The archivist carefully placed the fragile color slide into the lightbox to examine its vibrant details under even illumination."
In plain English: A lightbox is a box with lights inside that you put photos under to make them bright and easy to see clearly.
"The designer placed a lightbox under the photo to make the colors pop for display in the gallery."
Usage: A lightbox is specifically designed with an internal lamp and frosted glass surface to illuminate film negatives or slides for viewing details that are invisible in the dark. Do not confuse this optical device with digital pop-up windows on websites, which share a similar name but serve completely different functions.
The word lightbox combines the words light and box to describe a specific web design technique that displays images or content within a framed area on a webpage. Originally referring only to this particular method, it has since become a general term for any pop-up window used online.