black and white

1. Writing or print: saw their words in black and white.
2. A visual medium, as in photography or printmaking, employing only black and white or black, white, and values of gray: a film shot in black and white; a painting reproduced in black and white.

1. Advertisement (including artwork photographs, and type copy) printed in black ink on white paper. Reproduction of black-and-white copy is considered a one-color process (monochrome copy) and is less expensive than color advertisements, which have more than one color (polychrome copy) and are therefore more costly.

2. Photograph with an absence of colors other than black and white. Abbreviated b&w, B&W, B/W.

1.  A monochromatic picture, drawing, television image, computer monitor, or film, as opposed to one using many colors, as in Photos in black and white fade less than those taken with color film. [Late 1800s]
2.  Also, black or white. Involving a very clear distinction, without any gradations. For example, He tended to view everything as a black and white issue--it was either right or wrong--whereas his partner always found gray areas. This usage is based on the association of black with evil and white with virtue, which dates back at least 2,000 years. [Early 1800s] Also see gray area.
3.  in black and white. Written down or in print, and therefore official. For example, The terms of our agreement were spelled out in black and white, so there should be no question about it. This term alludes to black ink or print on white paper. Shakespeare used it in Much Ado about Nothing (5:1). [Late 1500s]

The noun has 2 meanings:

Meaning #1: the result of the printing process
  Synonym: print

Meaning #2: a black-and-white photograph or slide
  Synonym: monochrome

The adjective black and white has one meaning:

Meaning #1: (photography) "black-and-white film"
  Synonym: black-and-white