Transmissivity: meaning, definitions and examples
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transmissivity
[ trænzˈmɪsɪvɪti ]
scientific measurement
Transmissivity is a measure of how much light or radiation can pass through a material. It is often used in hydrogeology to describe the ability of an aquifer to transmit water through its saturated thickness.
Synonyms
permeability, transmission capacity, transmission rate
Examples of usage
- The transmissivity of the aquifer was measured to determine its capacity for water storage.
- High transmissivity values indicate that the material allows more light to pass through.
- In optical materials, transmissivity is crucial for applications like lenses and filters.
Word origin
The term 'transmissivity' is derived from the Latin word 'transmissio', which means 'to send across'. It combines the prefix 'trans-', meaning 'across', and the root 'miss' from 'mittere', meaning 'to send'. The concept was first used in the fields of physics and engineering to quantify the ability of materials to transmit light and other forms of energy. Over time, its application expanded to include areas such as hydrogeology, where it describes the capability of geological formations to transmit water. The use of the term has grown with the advances in material science and environmental studies, reflecting the increasing importance of understanding material properties in practical applications.