reflectance

[ ri-flek-tuhns ]

noun

, Physics, Optics.

1. the ratio of the intensity of reflected radiation to that of the radiation incident on a surface.

reflectance

/ rɪˈflɛktəns /

noun

1. See absorptance, transmittance
   a measure of the ability of a surface to reflect light or other electromagnetic radiation, equal to the ratio of the reflected flux to the incident flux ρ Compare transmittance absorptance

Word History and Origins

Origin of reflectance¹

First recorded in 1925–30; reflect + -ance

Example Sentences

Much of the decrease in reflectance occurred during the last three years of the two-decade period the team studied, Goode says.

From Science News