action spectrum
- noun
- Specialized
:
espectro de acción
- The standard was based on action spectra for the main UVR acute effects (i.e., erythema and photokeratitis).
Examples
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The ASCFs account for the differences between wavelength contributions estimated by the erythemal action spectrum and the previtamin D action spectrum toward previtamin D3 production.
Academic text (2012) -
The action spectrum for UV light shows its efficacy in causing skin damage at varying wavelengths.
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Therefore, the careful development of an action spectrum for LED light damage remains an important research goal.
Academic text (2014) -
The ASCFs account for the differences between wavelength contributions estimated by the erythemal action spectrum and the previtamin D action spectrum toward previtamin D3 production.
Academic text (2012) -
The threshold data for the acute effects of erythema and photokeratitis were combined on one graph, and an envelope (or hazard) curve was drawn around the collective data so that a single-envelope action spectrum could be applied to both skin and eye exposure (25) (Figure 2).
Academic text (1998) -
The action spectrum of chlorophyll demonstrates which wavelengths of light are most effective for photosynthesis.
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Researchers created an action spectrum to illustrate how different light wavelengths can trigger photochemical reactions.
Surface Forms
Morphology
The constituents 'spectrum' (a range of wavelengths) and 'action' (an effect or activity) together suggest a 'spectrum of effectiveness', so a learner who knows both words can infer that it relates to how effectiveness varies by wavelength. However, the specific technical meaning — that it quantifies photochemical effectiveness at different wavelengths — is specialized and not fully predictable to a B1 learner without scientific context, so the term is only partially transparent.
Etymology
Action spectrum combines action ('how much effect something has') and spectrum ('a range of colours or light'). Picture a colour chart with tall bars where the light makes a reaction most; that chart shows which colours of light 'work' best, so the term means a graph showing how effective different colours of light are at causing a reaction.
