radiance

American  

[rey-dee-uhns] / ˈreɪ di əns /

noun

1. radiant brightness or light.

   the radiance of the tropical sun.

   Synonyms:

   brilliance, splendor, resplendence

2. warm, cheerful brightness.

   the radiance of her expression.

3. Rare. radiation.

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radiance British  

/ ˈreɪdɪəns /

noun

1. the quality or state of being radiant

2.  Le.  a measure of the amount of electromagnetic radiation leaving or arriving at a point on a surface. It is the radiant intensity in a given direction of a small element of surface area divided by the orthogonal projection of this area onto a plane at right angles to the direction

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Other Word Forms

• nonradiance noun
• subradiance noun
• superradiance noun

Etymology

Origin of radiance

First recorded in 1595–1605; radi(ant) + -ance

Compare meaning

How does radiance compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• irradiance vs. radiance

Example Sentences

The growing closeness between Olive, played with quiet radiance by Ms. Rogers, and William, whom Mr. McHale renders with galumphing gawkiness, forms another affecting strand of the score.

From The Wall Street Journal

The fashion label Coperni has created leggings and other garments made from a fabric embedded with bacteria, which it says help rejuvenate the skin and boost radiance.

From The Wall Street Journal

As Elmire, Ms. Gray has a gentle radiance and tolerant air of affection for her husband’s folly.

From The Wall Street Journal

‘This Christmas, let’s celebrate the love we hold within ourselves and share it with the world around us. After all, wherever we are, we can create a home filled with grace, radiance, and endless possibilities.’

From Salon

However flawed its narrative execution may be, the cinematography is beyond sublime, capturing the natural radiance of the grasslands and endless blue above.

From Salon

Related Words

• warmth