Continuous tone is a photographic term used to describe monochrome negatives and prints that display a smooth gradation of density from white through gray to black. This tonal range accurately represents the varying luminosities of the subject, allowing subtle transitions in light and shadow to be captured in the image. Continuous tone is a hallmark of high-quality black-and-white photography, providing depth, realism, and a natural appearance that distinguishes traditional prints from halftone or digital reproductions with visible dots or pixelation.