Reflectivity: meaning, definitions and examples

🔍
Add to dictionary

reflectivity

 

[ rɪˌflɛkˈtɪvɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in physics

The ratio of the intensity of reflected radiation to the intensity of incident radiation.

Synonyms

brightness, reflectance

Examples of usage

  • The reflectivity of the mirror was very high, almost all the light was reflected back.
  • The reflectivity of the surface can be measured using specialized equipment.
Context #2 | Noun

in meteorology

The fraction of radiation reflected by a surface.

Synonyms

albedo, reflectance

Examples of usage

  • The high reflectivity of the snow caused the sunlight to bounce off it.
  • The reflectivity of the clouds affects the amount of sunlight reaching the ground.
Context #3 | Noun

in technology

The ability of a material to reflect light.

Synonyms

gloss, shine

Examples of usage

  • The reflectivity of the screen is important for visibility in bright environments.
  • The reflectivity of the material determines its use in optical devices.

Translations

Translations of the word "reflectivity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 refletividade

🇮🇳 परावर्तनशीलता

🇩🇪 Reflexivität

🇮🇩 reflektifitas

🇺🇦 відбивна здатність

🇵🇱 refleksyjność

🇯🇵 反射率

🇫🇷 réflectivité

🇪🇸 reflectividad

🇹🇷 yansıtıcılık

🇰🇷 반사율

🇸🇦 انعكاسية

🇨🇿 reflexivita

🇸🇰 reflexivita

🇨🇳 反射率

🇸🇮 reflektivnost

🇮🇸 endurkastshæfni

🇰🇿 шағылыстыру қабілеті

🇬🇪 არეკვლის უნარი

🇦🇿 reflektivlik

🇲🇽 reflectividad

Etymology

The word 'reflectivity' has its origins in the Latin word 'reflectere', which means 'to bend back'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-19th century. Reflectivity is a key concept in physics, meteorology, and technology, describing the ability of a surface to reflect light or radiation. Understanding reflectivity is essential in various fields, from designing mirrors and optical devices to studying climate patterns and surface properties.

See also: reflect, reflectance, reflecting, reflection, reflective, reflectively, reflectiveness, reflector.