intensity

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in·ten·si·ty / inˈtensitē/ • n. (pl. -ties) 1. the quality of being intense: gazing into her face with disconcerting intensity the pain grew in intensity. ∎  an instance or degree of this: an intensity that frightened her.2. chiefly Physics the measurable amount of a property, such as force, brightness, or a magnetic field: hydrothermal processes of low intensity | different light intensities.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

intensity

views updated May 08 2018
A Dictionary of Earth Sciences AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY

intensity

views updated May 23 2018

intensity A nontechnical synonym for both luminance and brightness. Luminance is the measured light intensity reflected or emitted by a surface in a given direction per unit of apparent area. Brightness is a psycho-physiological attribute of visual perception in which a source appears to emit or reflect more or less light.

A Dictionary of Computing JOHN DAINTITH

intensity

views updated May 08 2018

intensity In remote sensing, the energy reflected or emitted by a surface.

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY

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