luminosity

noun

lu·​mi·​nos·​i·​ty ˌlü-mə-ˈnä-sə-tē How to pronounce luminosity (audio)
plural luminosities
1
a
: the quality or state of being luminous
b
: something luminous
2
a
: the relative quantity of light
b
: relative brightness of something
3
: the relative quantity of radiation emitted by a celestial source (such as a star)

Examples of luminosity in a Sentence

the luminosity of the fireflies made for an enchanting nighttime show
Recent Examples on the Web These can frame specific areas of the room, or simply create a welcoming luminosity, and are often affordable and easy to change. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2024 Unlike most other picture settings, raising or lowering luminosity doesn’t affect picture quality or accuracy. Ryan Waniata, WIRED, 12 Sep. 2024 Photograph: Courtesy of the Caltech Archives and Special Collections Measurements of H0 improved as astronomers got better at calibrating the relationship between Cepheids’ pulsation frequency and their luminosity. Liz Kruesi, WIRED, 8 Sep. 2024 They're infused with finely ground reflective pearls, which catch the light for luminosity without veering into shiny territory. Deanna Pai and Sarah Han, Allure, 3 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for luminosity 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'luminosity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French luminosité, borrowed from Medieval Latin lūminōsitāt-, lūminōsitās, from Latin lūminōsus "full of light, luminous" + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of luminosity was in 1634

Dictionary Entries Near luminosity

Cite this Entry

“Luminosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luminosity. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

luminosity

noun
lu·​mi·​nos·​i·​ty ˌlü-mə-ˈnäs-ət-ē How to pronounce luminosity (audio)
plural luminosities
1
: the quality or state of being luminous : brightness
2
: something luminous

Medical Definition

luminosity

noun
lu·​mi·​nos·​i·​ty ˌlü-mə-ˈnäs-ət-ē How to pronounce luminosity (audio)
plural luminosities
1
: the quality or state of being luminous
2
a
: the relative quantity of light
b
: the comparative degree to which light of a given wavelength induces the sensation of brightness when perceived

More from Merriam-Webster on luminosity

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