toner

/ˈtoʊnər/

/ˈtʌʊnə/

Other forms: toners

Toner is the substance used in a photocopier or laser printer that forms the printed image or text on paper. It's also the name of solution used to tint or color photographs.

Printer toner is a black powder, while photography toner is a strong-smelling liquid sometimes called a "chemical bath." There's also a skincare toner, which you might use on your face after washing to condition your skin or shrink your pores. The photography sense of toner is the oldest, dating from around 1920.

Definitions of toner

1. noun

   a solution containing chemicals that can change the color of a photographic print
   type of:

   solution

   a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution
2. noun

   a black or colored powder used in a printer to develop a xerographic image
   type of:

   material, stuff

   the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object
3. noun

   a lotion for cleansing the skin and contracting the pores
   synonyms: astringent

   type of:

   lotion

   any of various cosmetic preparations that are applied to the skin