What is "metallography"

Metallography \Met`al*log"ra*phy\, n. [L. metallum metal + -graphy: cf. F. m['e]tallographie.]

1. The science or art of metals and metal working; also, a treatise on metals.

2. A method of transferring impressions of the grain of wood to metallic surfaces by chemical action.
   --Knight.

3. A substitute for lithography, in which metallic plates are used instead of stone.
   --Knight.

n. (context metallurgy English) The study of the structure of metals and their alloys, by any of a variety of techniques

Metallography is the study of the physical structure and components of metals, typically using microscopy.

Ceramic and polymeric materials may also be prepared using metallographic techniques, hence the terms ceramography, plastography and, collectively, materialography.