irradiance

noun

ir·​ra·​di·​ance i-ˈrā-dē-ən(t)s How to pronounce irradiance (audio)
1
2
: the density of radiation incident on a given surface usually expressed in watts per square centimeter or square meter

Examples of irradiance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Texas, however, is expected to see the biggest impact, losing up to 16% of their daily irradiance, or solar energy, according to Cutcher. Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2024 As a result, solar irradiance is up to 7 percent higher in the southern hemisphere than the northern. Kasha Patel, Anchorage Daily News, 21 July 2023 This could also help explain why other areas of high elevation, such as the Himalayas, don’t experience such intense bursts of solar irradiance. Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 25 July 2023 On average, the solar irradiance on the plateau is around 308 watts per square meter, still the highest worldwide. Kasha Patel, Anchorage Daily News, 21 July 2023 That’s because the sun’s rays or solar irradiance, is still transmitted to the earth — basically the sunlight is diffused around the clouds. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 20 June 2023 Because cheap renewable energy is now available everywhere, hundreds of thousands of new net jobs created annually by a CES would accrue across the country, not just in areas with high wind speeds like the Great Plains or high solar irradiance like the Southwest. Forbes, 10 June 2021 The biggest factor that impacts solar panels is the incoming irradiance, or the output of light energy from the sun. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Feb. 2023 The satellite is equipped with space weather tools like a particle flux sensor, solar irradiance monitor and a magnetometer, Sullivan said. Joe Mario Pedersen, Orlando Sentinel, 11 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'irradiance.' 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

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of irradiance was in 1599

Dictionary Entries Near irradiance

Cite this Entry

“Irradiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irradiance. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

irradiance

noun
ir·​ra·​di·​ance ir-ˈād-ē-ən(t)s How to pronounce irradiance (audio)
: the density of radiation incident on a given surface usually expressed in watts per square centimeter or square meter
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