Light Definition, Prefix, Suffix, Ologies and Isms, Light Information and Meaning


See also DARKNESS; SUN

actinology
the study of the chemical effects of light in the violet and ultraviolet wavelengths. —actinologic, actinological, adj.
actinometry
the measurement of the heating power of light in the violet and ultraviolet range. —actinometrist, n. —actinometric, actinometrical, adj.
albedo
the ratio between the light reflected from a surf ace and the total light falling upon that surf ace, as the albedo of the moon.
birefringence
double refraction; the separation of light into two unequally refracted, polarized rays, as by some crystals. —birefringent, adj.
catadioptrics
the study of the reflection and refraction of light. —catadioptric, catadioptrical, adj.
catoptrics
the study of light reflection. —catoptric, catoptrical, adj. —catoptrically, adv.
chatoyancy
the condition or quality of changing in color or luster depending on the angle of light, especially of a gemstone that reflects a single shaft of light when cut in cabochon form. —chatoyant, adj.
dichroism
a property, peculiar to certain crystals, of reflecting light in two different colors when viewed from two different directions. —dichroic, adj.
dioptrics
the study of light refraction. —dioptric, adj.
iridescence
the state or condition of being colored like a rainbow or like the light shining through a prism. —iridescent, adj.
iriscope
a polished black glass, the surface of which becomes iridescent when it is breathed upon through a tube.
levorotation
rotation toward the left; counterclockwise rotation, a characteristic of the plane of polarization of light. —levorotatory, adj.
lithophany
the process of impressing porcelain objects, as lamp bases, with figures that become translucent when light is placed within or behind them. —lithophanic, adj.
noctiluca
any thing or creature that shines or glows in the dark, especially a phosphorescent or bioluminescent marine or other organism. —noctilucine, adj.
opties
the study of the properties of light. Also called photology. —optic, optical, adj.
pharology
the study of signal lights, especially lighthouses.
phengophobia
an abnormal fear of daylight.
photalgia
pain in the eyes caused by light.
photangiophobia
an abnormal fear of photalgia.
photics
the study of light.
photodrome
1. an apparatus that regulates light flashes so that a rotating object appears to be stationary or moving in a direction opposite to its actual motion.
2. an apparatus for producing unusual optical effects by flashing light upon disks bearing various figures, patterns, etc.
photodynamics
the science or study of light in relation to the movement of plants. —photodynamic, photodynamical, adj.
photography
the process or art of creating and recording images of people, objects, and phenomena, essentially by means of reflected light or emanating radiation. —photographer, n. —photographic, photographical, adj.
photokinesis
movement of bodies, organisms, etc., in response to the stimulus of light. —photokinetic, adj.
photology
optics.
photolysis
the breakdown of matter or materials under the influence of light. —photolytic, adj.
photomania
an abnormal love of light.
photometry
the measurement of the intensity of light. —photometrician, photometrist, n. —photometric, adj.
photopathy
a pathologic effect produced by light. —photopathic, adj.
photophily
the tendency to thrive in strong light, as plants. —photophilic, adj.
photophobia
1. an abnormal fear of light.
2. Also called photodysphoria. a painful sensitivity to light, especially visually.
3. a tendency to thrive in reduced light, as certain plants.
photosynthesis
the synthesis of complex organic substances from carbon dioxide, water, and inorganic salts, with sunlight as the energy source and a catalyst such as chlorophyll. —photosynthetic, adj.
phototaxis, phototaxy
the movement of an organism away from or toward a source of light. —phototactic, adj.
phototherapy, phototherapeutics
the treatment of disease, especially diseases of the skin, with light rays. —phototherapeutic, adj.
phototropism
motion in a particular direction under the stimulus of light, as manifested by certain plants, organisms, etc. —phototropic, adj.
polarimetry
the measurement of the polarization of light, as with a polarimeter.
selaphobia
an abnormal fear or dislike of flashes of light.
spectrogram
a photograph of a spectrum. Also called spectrograph.
spectrograph
1. an optical device for breaking light down into a spectrum and recording the results photographically.
2. spectrogram. —spectrographic, adj.
spectrography
the technique of using a spectrograph and producing spectrograms.
triboluminescence
a form of Iuminescence created by friction. —triboluminescent, adj.