luminance

noun

lu·​mi·​nance ˈlü-mə-nən(t)s How to pronounce luminance (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being luminous
2
: the luminous intensity of a surface in a given direction per unit of projected area

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
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The contrast ratio indicates the difference in luminance between the brightest white and the darkest black a monitor can produce. PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025 The contrast ratio indicates the difference in luminance between the brightest white and the darkest black that a monitor can produce. PCMAG, 18 Mar. 2025 Its 14-bit raw DNG images provide the most leeway to edit color and exposure in the lower register (ISO 100-3200), as well as the least amount of luminance noise, the digital version of film grain. PCMAG, 14 Mar. 2025 Consider upping the contrast and clarity, sharpening and pushing the saturation and luminance to bolster the red colors of totality — but be so careful not to overdo it. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luminance

Word History

Etymology

lumin(ous) + -ance

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of luminance was in 1867

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Luminance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luminance. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

luminance

noun
lu·​mi·​nance ˈlü-mə-nən(t)s How to pronounce luminance (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being luminous
2
: the luminous intensity of a surface in a given direction per unit of projected area

More from Merriam-Webster on luminance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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