luminous intensity unit
- noun
- /ˈluːmɪnəs ɪnˈtɛnsɪti juːnɪt/
- Specialized
- The luminous intensity unit commonly used in science is the candela.
Examples
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The engineer recorded the light output in luminous intensity units for the experiment.
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When measuring the brightness of a light source, scientists refer to a standard luminous intensity unit.
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The luminous intensity unit is measured in candelas.
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A luminous intensity unit helps in determining light output.
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The luminous intensity unit commonly used in science is the candela.
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When measuring the brightness of a light source, scientists refer to a standard luminous intensity unit.
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The engineer recorded the light output in luminous intensity units for the experiment.
Synonyms
A unit for measuring how bright a light is, using a candle as the standard
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is compositionally transparent: 'luminous' (relating to light) + 'intensity' (strength/amount) + 'unit' (measurement standard) clearly yields a measurement for the amount/strength of light. Although it's a technical term, the constituent meanings combine in a straightforward noun-noun compound pattern that a B1 learner who knows the individual words can infer.
Etymology
Luminous intensity unit may come from the old practice of using a single candle as the standard of light: a candle's flame was an easy way to compare lights. The words luminous ('light'), intensity ('brightness') and unit ('one measure') explain why it now means 'a standard measure of how much light goes in one direction'.