intensity

play

noun in·ten·si·ty \in-ˈten(t)-sə-tē\

Definition of intensity

plural

intensities

1 : the quality or state of being intense; especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling
2 : the magnitude of a quantity (such as force or energy) per unit (as of area, charge, mass, or time)
3 : saturation 4a

See intensity defined for English-language learners

See intensity defined for kids

Examples of intensity in a Sentence

the intensity of the sun's rays
the intensity of the argument
The sun shone with great intensity.

Recent Examples of intensity from the Web

KELLY CLANCY’S TOUCH was gentle, much lighter than the firm intensity I was accustomed to from previous body work.

— nicole tsong, The Seattle Times, "Bowen therapy’s light touch can improve alignment, ease pain and increase range of motion", 3 July 2017
The intensity of support for this referendum effort is impressive.

— staff report, The Aegis, "Petition drive in Aberdeen fails to bring charter changes to referendum", 30 June 2017
The economic flame over which this conflict is broiling will remain a live one, and will only gain intensity because of a straight-jacketed government unable to blow it out.

— andrés miguel rondón, The Atlantic, "The Long, Slow Death of Chavismo", 29 June 2017
This is a high-intensity program for serious players that will be instructed by Dave Esterkamp, who recently concluded a 13-year pro career in Europe.

— Daily Southtown, "Sports calendar", 21 June 2017
San Diego is also noted for its robust ability to form new companies. the intensity of its new company formation.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "World's largest biotech convention will showcase hot areas of life science", 16 June 2017
This is a high-intensity program for serious players that will be instructed by Dave Esterkamp, who recently concluded a 13-year pro career in Europe.

— Daily Southtown, "Sports calendar", 6 June 2017
My intensity and pugnacity seem more palatable to them, or less threatening.

— Longreads, "White Men", 6 June 2017
This is a high-intensity program for serious players that will be instructed by Dave Esterkamp, who recently concluded a 13-year pro career in Europe.

— Daily Southtown, "Sports calendar", 6 June 2017

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

First Known Use of intensity

1665

Other Color Terms

argentine, cerise, cerulean, cyan, ocher, perse, puce, taupe, vermilion

INTENSITY Defined for English Language Learners

intensity

play

noun

Definition of intensity for English Language Learners

: the quality or state of being intense : extreme strength or force
: the degree or amount of strength or force that something has

INTENSITY Defined for Kids

intensity

play

noun in·ten·si·ty \in-ˈten-sə-tē\

Definition of intensity for Students

plural

intensities

1 : strength or force the sun's intensity
2 : the degree or amount of a quality or condition This storm is of a lower intensity.

Medical Dictionary

intensity

play

noun in·ten·si·ty \in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē\

Medical Definition of intensity

plural

intensities

1: the quality or state of being intense; especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling
2: the magnitude of a quantity (as force or energy) per unit (as of surface, charge, mass, or time)
3: saturation 4a