color temperature

American  

noun

Optics, Photography.

1. a temperature defined in terms of the temperature of a black body at which it emits light of a specified spectral distribution: used to specify the color of a light source.

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Etymology

Origin of color temperature

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

The older sodium lights typically had a color temperature of around 1,900 Kelvins, which our brains interpret as warm and cozy, almost like a fire.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

But many LED bulbs are installed with a much higher color temperature, near 4,000 Kelvins, which our brains interpret as harsh and bright, regardless of how many lumens they’re actually emitting.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

That color temperature is great when you’re making breakfast, but may not be ideal if you want warmer, dimmer light for cocktail hour.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 8, 2024

“For best fall color, temperature and the amount of moisture are the main influences coupled with the duration and angle of sunlight,” Kyle Cotner, creator of theFoliageReport.com, wrote in an email.

From Washington Post • Oct. 7, 2022

As for why this is the e-reader to buy over the previous generation, it has USB-C charging, a bigger 6.8-inch backlit display, and customizable screen color temperature.

From The Verge • Aug. 6, 2022