Main Entry: por.nog.ra.phy Function: noun Etymology: Greek pornographos, adjective, writing about prostitutes, from pornE prostitute + graphein to write; akin to Greek pernanai to sell, poros journey -- more at FARE, CARVE Date: circa 1864 1 : the depiction of erotic behavior (as in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement 2 : material (as books or a photograph) that depicts erotic behavior and is intended to cause sexual excitement 3 : the depiction of acts in a sensational manner so as to arouse a quick intense emotional reaction - por.no.graph.ic /"por-n&-'gra-fik/ adjective - por.no.graph.i.cal.ly /-fi-k(&-)lE/ adverb