emissivity
noun
emis·siv·i·ty
ˌe-mə-ˈsi-və-tē 
ˌē-ˌmi-ˈsi-
plural emissivities
: the relative power of a surface to emit heat by radiation : the ratio of the radiant energy emitted by a surface to that emitted by a blackbody at the same temperature
Examples of emissivity in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
So emissivity is essentially the opposite of reflectivity.
—
Rhett Allain, WIRED, 25 Aug. 2023
Both reflectivity and emissivity depend on the wavelength of light.
—Rhett Allain, WIRED, 25 Aug. 2023
At the base Premium level, the roof has a special coating called low-e, or low emissivity, to keep the interior cool by blocking some wavelengths of light.
—Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2023
Finally, there is that last symbol—ε this is called the emissivity.
—WIRED, 3 Feb. 2023
An object that's a perfect thermal emitter has an emissivity of 1, and one that doesn't produce any thermal radiation has a value of 0.
—WIRED, 3 Feb. 2023
An elevation model of Idunn Mons on Venus, with thermal emissivity data overlain on the surface.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 2016
Idunn Mons was one of the areas with warm, fresh rocks found in 2010, and researchers have found even more evidence to link the lava flows to the areas of high emissivity.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 2016
Many energy-efficient windows, for example, are glazed with a low-emissivity (low-E) coating.
—Maria Masters, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2022
See More
Rhett Allain, WIRED, 25 Aug. 2023
Both reflectivity and emissivity depend on the wavelength of light.
—Rhett Allain, WIRED, 25 Aug. 2023
At the base Premium level, the roof has a special coating called low-e, or low emissivity, to keep the interior cool by blocking some wavelengths of light.
—Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2023
Finally, there is that last symbol—ε this is called the emissivity.
—WIRED, 3 Feb. 2023
An object that's a perfect thermal emitter has an emissivity of 1, and one that doesn't produce any thermal radiation has a value of 0.
—WIRED, 3 Feb. 2023
An elevation model of Idunn Mons on Venus, with thermal emissivity data overlain on the surface.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 2016
Idunn Mons was one of the areas with warm, fresh rocks found in 2010, and researchers have found even more evidence to link the lava flows to the areas of high emissivity.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 2016
Many energy-efficient windows, for example, are glazed with a low-emissivity (low-E) coating.
—Maria Masters, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'emissivity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1880, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near emissivity
Cite this Entry
“Emissivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emissivity. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.
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Medical Definition
emissivity
noun
emis·siv·i·ty
ˌem-ə-ˈsiv-ət-ē
ˌē-ˌmis-ˈiv-
ˌē-ˌmis-ˈiv-
plural emissivities
: the relative power of a surface to emit heat by radiation : the ratio of the radiant energy emitted by a surface to that emitted by a blackbody at the same temperature
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