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
Roberta SmithThe warming at the surface could be expected to melt snow and ice, reducing the earth's albedo, or reflectivity.—Roger Revelle
Roger RevelleExamples of reflectivity in a Sentence
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Mirrors have poor reflectivity and degrade fast, while normal lenses absorb XUV light and stretch the attosecond pulses, blurring their precision.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 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
Changing the temperature changes lots about the Earth, from the reflectivity of sea ice to the stability of permafrost.
—Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
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Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 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
Changing the temperature changes lots about the Earth, from the reflectivity of sea ice to the stability of permafrost.
—Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reflectivity
Cite this Entry
“Reflectivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reflectivity. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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