luminance

noun

lu·​mi·​nance ˈlü-mə-nən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being luminous

2

: the luminous intensity of a surface in a given direction per unit of projected area

Synonyms

• burnish
• gloss
• luster
• lustre
• polish
• sheen
• shine

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

Otherwise, the smart display has a much more modest luminance level and will adjust its white balance to blend with its surroundings. —PCMAG, 26 Nov. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

lumin(ous) + -ance

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

luminance

noun

lu·​mi·​nance ˈlü-mə-nən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being luminous

2

: the luminous intensity of a surface in a given direction per unit of projected area