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

• brightness
• brilliance
• brilliancy
• candor
• dazzle
• effulgence
• illumination
• lambency
• lightness
• luminance
• luminousness
• luster
• lustre
• lustrousness
• radiance
• refulgence
• splendor

Examples of luminosity in a Sentence

the luminosity of the fireflies made for an enchanting nighttime show

Recent Examples on the Web

The overnight serum has tranexamic acid to brighten, niacinamide to strengthen the barrier, seven Swiss alpine plants for luminosity and gluconolactone to boost cell turnover. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

The planet is the fourth world to be spotted in data from the European Space Agency's Gaia mission, which was designed to map a billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy, cataloguing their masses, luminosities, temperatures and motions through space. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 5 Feb. 2025

The array of explosions also varied in terms of luminosity, which will aid researchers in their search for answers to dark energy and the acceleration of the universe. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2025

Pink and gold pearl add luminosity, while the brand's signature blend of green tea, rice, and algae delivers hydration. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French luminosité, borrowed from Medieval Latin lūminōsitāt-, lūminōsitās, from Latin lūminōsus "full of light, luminous" + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for luminosity

• adiposity

Kids 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