collodion process

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Collodion \Col*lo"di*on\, n. [Gr. ? like glue; ko`lla glue + ?
   form. Cf. {Colloid}.] (Chem.)
   A solution of pyroxylin (soluble gun cotton) in ether
   containing a varying proportion of alcohol. It is strongly
   adhesive, and is used by surgeons as a coating for wounds;
   but its chief application is as a vehicle for the sensitive
   film in photography.
   [1913 Webster]

   {Collodion process} (Photog.), a process in which a film of
      sensitized collodion is used in preparing the plate for
      taking a picture.

   {Styptic collodion}, collodion containing an astringent, as
      tannin.
      [1913 Webster]