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stop down

C1 formal inseparable both
In simple words

In photography, to make the hole in the camera lens smaller so more of the photo is in focus.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic formal

To reduce the aperture of a camera lens to increase depth of field and reduce light intake.

"Stop down to f/11 if you want the background to be sharp as well."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Primarily a technical photography term. 'Stopping down' increases depth of field and reduces the amount of light entering the lens, requiring a longer exposure. The opposite is 'open up.' Not used outside photography contexts.

Commonly used with

aperture lens f-stop depth of field exposure diaphragm

Forms

Base
stop down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stops down
he/she/it
Past simple
stoped down
yesterday
Past participle
stoped down
have + pp
-ing form
stoping down
continuous

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