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

If you have them, look for diffusers and bulbs that offer warm colors — for LEDs, the color temperature should be a warm white of about 2,700 Kelvin — and make sure you have dimmers.

From Seattle Times

A cooler color temperature and a feeling of dread add to the faux persona environment, each hinting at the unwanted world closing in on him.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether you use dim-to-warm lights or not, all of the fixtures in your kitchen should be a similar color temperature.

From Seattle Times

It’s also important to know the color temperature of the various lights you plan to use.

From Seattle Times

While LEDs with a color temperature of 2,700 Kelvin are similar to incandescent light bulbs, Berman noted, in the kitchen “we’ll bump it up to 3,000 Kelvin, which is a little brighter and whiter.”

From Seattle Times