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
Examples of luminosity in a Sentence
the luminosity of the fireflies made for an enchanting nighttime show
Recent Examples on the Web
The true luminosity of the quasar, called J043947.08+163415.7, is thought to be closer to about 11 trillion suns, according to the researchers who made the initial discovery.
—
Ashley Strickland, CNN, 21 Feb. 2024
However, that quasar’s brightness was magnified by a ‘lensing’ galaxy, reducing its actual luminosity to about 11 trillion suns.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024
This formula feels light but quickly melts into my skin, leaving a subtle luminosity behind.
—Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2024
An unexpected stellar discovery During their observations of stars near the galactic center, the team identified 21 red stars that experienced unusual changes in luminosity that puzzled astronomers.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 30 Jan. 2024
The real balance in beauty right now is finding the luminosity of every individual, Kendal said.
—Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2023
Its name, Greek for sparkling, is fitting for its luminosity.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024
Some orchestral luminosity and transparency was lost, but there was gut-wrenching deep bass, and the brass and percussion were especially potent.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2024
Additionally, using a shimmering bronzer, like Tower 28’s Beauty Bronzino, can enhance your skin’s luminosity, providing the ultimate dewy finish.
—Tira Urquhart, Essence, 24 Jan. 2024
Ashley Strickland, CNN, 21 Feb. 2024
However, that quasar’s brightness was magnified by a ‘lensing’ galaxy, reducing its actual luminosity to about 11 trillion suns.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024
This formula feels light but quickly melts into my skin, leaving a subtle luminosity behind.
—Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2024
An unexpected stellar discovery During their observations of stars near the galactic center, the team identified 21 red stars that experienced unusual changes in luminosity that puzzled astronomers.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 30 Jan. 2024
The real balance in beauty right now is finding the luminosity of every individual, Kendal said.
—Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2023
Its name, Greek for sparkling, is fitting for its luminosity.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024
Some orchestral luminosity and transparency was lost, but there was gut-wrenching deep bass, and the brass and percussion were especially potent.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2024
Additionally, using a shimmering bronzer, like Tower 28’s Beauty Bronzino, can enhance your skin’s luminosity, providing the ultimate dewy finish.
—Tira Urquhart, Essence, 24 Jan. 2024
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.
Dictionary Entries Near luminosity
Cite this Entry
“Luminosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luminosity. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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