luminance

noun

lu·​mi·​nance ˈlü-mə-nən(t)s How to pronounce luminance (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being luminous
2
: the luminous intensity of a surface in a given direction per unit of projected area

Examples of luminance in a Sentence

the emerald had a pure, icy green luminance the landscapes of the French painter Claude Lorraine have a unique luminance that no other artist has quite captured
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Women temporarily synchronize their menstrual cycles with the luminance and gravimetric cycles of the Moon Merriam-Webster. Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 14 Oct. 2024 Tests at Photons to Photos show that the Z 6 III's sensor captures about a half-stop less luminance data when compared with the Z 6 II in its low ISO (50-800) range in both electronic and mechanical shutter modes. PCMAG, 12 Sep. 2024 And there are differences in luminance—higher-intensity versus lower-intensity light levels. Gary Stix, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2024 Although higher peak luminance from Tandem OLED would technically improve contrast ratios, Virey thinks that wouldn't affect HDR viewing much. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for luminance 

Word History

Etymology

lumin(ous) + -ance

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of luminance was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near luminance

Cite this Entry

“Luminance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luminance. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

luminance

noun
lu·​mi·​nance ˈlü-mə-nən(t)s How to pronounce luminance (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being luminous
2
: the luminous intensity of a surface in a given direction per unit of projected area

More from Merriam-Webster on luminance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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