luminosity

noun

lu·​mi·​nos·​i·​ty ˌlü-mə-ˈnä-sə-tē 

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)

Synonyms

• brightness
• brilliance
• brilliancy
• candor
• dazzle
• effulgence
• illumination
• lambency
• lightness
• luminance
• luminousness
• luster
• lustre
• lustrousness
• radiance
• refulgence
• splendor

Examples of luminosity in a Sentence

the luminosity of the fireflies made for an enchanting nighttime show

Recent Examples on the Web

When the core crosses a precise mass threshold, the helium ignites, giving such stars the same intrinsic luminosity. —Anil Ananthaswamy, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 2025

Thoughtful packaging preserves their stability, while a gentle formulation helps deliver on the key tenements of glass skin: smoothness, clearness, and luminosity. —Rosa Jisoo Pyo, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025

Every piece tells its own story, capturing moments with a signature blend of texture, luminosity, and shadow. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2025

Formulated with vitamins C and E as well as the brand's Rose & Fig Complex, the rich cream is formulated to deliver nourishment and, above all else, luminosity. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for luminosity

• adiposity

Kids Definition

luminosity

noun

lu·​mi·​nos·​i·​ty ˌlü-mə-ˈnäs-ət-ē 

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 

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