dark adaptation

noun

Definition of dark adaptation

: the process including dilation of the pupil, increase in sensitivity of the retinal rods, and regeneration of rhodopsin by which the eye adapts to conditions of reduced illumination

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dark-adapted

play \ˌdärk-ə-ˈdap-təd\ adjective

Recent Examples of dark adaptation from the Web

So everyone wanted a dark adaptation of The Jungle Book, right?

— jacob kastrenakes, The Verge, "New trailers: Mowgli, Christopher Robin, and more," 26 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dark adaptation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of dark adaptation

1900

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

dark adaptation

noun \ ˌdärk- \

medical Definition of dark adaptation

: the phenomena including dilation of the pupil, increase in retinal sensitivity, shift of the region of maximum luminosity toward the blue, and regeneration of rhodopsin by which the eye adapts to conditions of reduced illumination — compare light adaptation

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