What is the term for words or images gradually becoming less visible until they disappear?

The term that describes words or images gradually becoming less visible until they disappear is known as a fade out. This technique is commonly used in film and video production to create a smooth transition that allows the viewer's focus to shift away from the content. A fade out typically involves a gradual decrease in opacity or brightness, leading to complete invisibility, which can convey a sense of completion or closure in a scene.

The other terms have different meanings in the context of audiovisual production. A fade in refers to the gradual introduction of words or images, increasing in visibility from a black screen or absence to full brightness. A transition generally refers to any change from one scene to another, which may include various methods like cuts or effects. A dissolve is a specific type of transition where one image gradually fades out while another simultaneously fades in, creating a blending effect rather than complete disappearance.