solar constant

noun

: the quantity of radiant solar energy received at the outer layer of the earth's atmosphere that has a mean value of 1370 watts per square meter

Examples of solar constant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In some cases, Matthews said, the stations have registered levels of solar radiation equal to or exceeding the solar constant - that is, the amount of sunlight scientists expect to see at the outermost limits of Earth's atmosphere. Maddie Stone, Anchorage Daily News, 13 Dec. 2019

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

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of solar constant was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near solar constant

Cite this Entry

“Solar constant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solar%20constant. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on solar constant

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!