reflectivity

noun

re·​flec·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌrē-ˌflek-ˈti-və-tē 

ri-

: the reflective quality or power of a surface or material

… there are many examples of luster-decorated ceramics, in which Islamic potters emulated the reflectivity of metalwork by applying metal oxides to white-glazed vessels …

—Roberta Smith

The warming at the surface could be expected to melt snow and ice, reducing the earth's albedo, or reflectivity.

—Roger Revelle

Examples of reflectivity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Similar to Voukenas Petrides’s Split Tube Chair, the design’s reflectivity is warped. —Adrian Madlener, Curbed, 24 Nov. 2025

This suggests liquid water is unlikely in the high-reflectivity zone. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 22 Nov. 2025

Our planet is darkening too, as Earth's reflectivity, or albedo, is dropping to near-record lows due to melting ice and reduced snow cover that expose darker surfaces that absorb even more heat. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2025

This reflectivity is known as albedo, and Earth’s overall albedo has been decreasing for decades. —Ryan Green, Scientific American, 22 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reflectivity

• absorptivity
• affectivity
• collectivity
• conductivity
• connectivity
• corrosivity
• creativity
• diffusivity
• directivity
• effectivity
• emissivity
• exclusivity