absolute brightness

noun

astronomy
: absolute magnitude
… a white supergiant 200 times wider and at least 160,000 times more luminous in absolute brightness than the sun …Daniel H. Zantzinge, Daily Camera, 4 Sept. 2008

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of absolute brightness was in 1800

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near absolute brightness

Cite this Entry

“Absolute brightness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absolute%20brightness. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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