graininess

This term describes a tactile or visual quality characterized by small, distinct particles. When referring to physical surfaces, it suggests a coarse or sandy texture that can be felt by touch, often implying a lack of smoothness.

In the context of photography and cinematography, the word refers to a specific type of visual noise. While "grain" refers to the particles themselves, "graininess" describes the overall state or degree of this effect. In modern digital contexts, this is often a result of high ISO settings, whereas in analog film, it is a chemical property of the silver halide crystals.