Luminosity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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luminosity

[หŒluหmษชหˆnษ’sษชti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

measurement of brightness

Luminosity is the total amount of energy emitted by a star, galaxy, or other celestial object per unit time. It is often used to describe the brightness of stars and is measured in terms of solar luminosities.

Synonyms

brightness, intensity, radiance.

Examples of usage

  • The luminosity of the Sun is about 3.8 x 10^26 watts.
  • Astronomers use luminosity to classify stars based on their brightness.
  • The luminosity of a star depends on its size and temperature.
Context #2 | Noun

quality of being intellectually brilliant

Luminosity can also refer to the quality of being intellectually brilliant or enlightening. It is often used to describe someone's intellectual capacity and ability to shine in their field.

Synonyms

brilliance, genius, intellect.

Examples of usage

  • Her luminosity as a scholar was recognized by the academic community.
  • The luminosity of his ideas sparked a revolution in the field of science.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • In astronomy, luminosity measures the total amount of energy a star emits per second.
  • It helps scientists determine a star's life cycle and its distance from Earth.
  • Astronomers categorize stars based on their luminosity, revealing important insights about their size and temperature.

Psychology

  • Bright lights typically evoke feelings of alertness and energy, influencing human emotions.
  • Studies show that exposure to bright environments can affect mood and productivity positively.
  • Luminosity in design and art can be used intentionally to draw attention or evoke specific feelings.

Art and Literature

  • Artists use luminosity to create depth and perspective, often by highlighting contrasts in light.
  • In literature, 'luminosity' can symbolize knowledge, revelation, or clarity in storytelling.
  • The concept of light and luminosity is often linked to themes of hope and inspiration in various artworks.

Pop Culture

  • Luminosity is referenced in songs and movies to symbolize passion, hope, or guidance.
  • In video games, characters sometimes gain luminosity to represent levels of power or magic.
  • The term appears in fashion with 'luminosity' used to describe glowing fabrics or lighting effects on runways.

Origin of 'luminosity'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'luminosus,' which means 'full of light'.
  • The prefix 'lumi-' comes from 'lumen', meaning 'light' in Latin.
  • The usage of the term expanded from describing physical light to broader contexts in science and art.

The word 'luminosity' originates from the Latin word 'luminosus', meaning 'full of light'. It has been used in the field of astronomy to describe the brightness of celestial objects since the 19th century. In a broader sense, 'luminosity' has come to represent not only physical brightness but also intellectual brilliance and enlightenment.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,416, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.