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light adaptation

light adaptation

6.1
Eyes adjust to bright light by making pupils smaller and using cells that detect color
  • noun
  • /laɪt ˌædæpˈteɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : adaptación a la luz
  • The pupils respond quickly during light adaptation, reducing the amount of light entering the eyes.

Examples

  • The light adaptation process occurs quickly.

  • After being outside on a sunny day, it takes a moment for light adaptation to help you see clearly indoors.

  • Scientists study light adaptation to better understand how the visual system manages sudden changes in illumination.

  • Have you noticed your light adaptation improving?

  • Light adaptation allows your eyes to light adaptation quickly when stepping outside into the bright sunshine.

  • During light adaptation, the pupils constrict to reduce the amount of light entering the eye.

  • After a few minutes in the bright room, her eyes achieved light adaptation and she could see clearly.

Antonyms

dark adaptation
  • Specialized
6.5

The eyes become more sensitive after bright light so you can see in low light

Surface Forms

Morphology

light + adaptation

The meaning 'process by which the eyes adjust to high levels of light' is a straightforward composition of 'light' (the stimulus) and 'adaptation' (the physiological adjustment), so the MWE denotes adaptation to light. This NP follows normal English compounding/nominal modification patterns and has clear parallels in other languages, making it immediately comprehensible to a learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Light adaptation comes from the simple image of your eyes changing when they meet bright light: the pupil gets smaller and the eye makes an adaptation to protect itself and see better. That's why light adaptation means 'the process the eyes use to adjust to bright light'.