luminance

noun

lu·​mi·​nance ˈlü-mə-nən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being luminous

2

: the luminous intensity of a surface in a given direction per unit of projected area

Synonyms of luminance

• glare
• glow
• gleam
• glint
• gloss
• sheen
• shine
• illumination

Examples of luminance in a Sentence

the emerald had a pure, icy green luminance

the landscapes of the French painter Claude Lorraine have a unique luminance that no other artist has quite captured

Recent Examples on the Web

This perhaps had something to do with the curious luminance of the boy’s face, as in paintings of saints, as though the glow were the emanation of grace. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025

Mobile photography shone bright for aurorae, and for capturing luminance from solar winds. — Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 18 Aug. 2025

Each multitasking formula keeps your makeup look in place while maximizing its luminance, giving your glam a fresh, crease-free finish (even after hours of wear). — Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 21 Apr. 2026

Our next test measures the contrast ratio, which indicates the difference in luminance between the brightest white and darkest black that a monitor can produce. — PCMAG, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

lumin(ous) + -ance

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for luminance

• illuminance

Medical Definition

luminance

noun

lu·​mi·​nance ˈlü-mə-nən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being luminous

2

: the luminous intensity of a surface in a given direction per unit of projected area