reflectivity etymology

Etymology

• re- (prefix): back, again
• flect (Latin root): to bend, turn

Meaning

Reflectivity refers to the property of a surface or material to reflect light, sound waves, or other forms of energy. It is a measure of the amount of energy that is reflected back in the same direction as it impinged on the surface.

Origin

The term "reflectivity" emerged in the 18th century in the context of optics. It was first used to describe the ability of mirrors and other reflective surfaces to bounce light back in a predictable manner. The concept was later extended to other types of waves and energy, including sound waves, radio waves, and heat.

Usage

The term "reflectivity" is commonly used in various scientific and engineering fields, including:

• Optics: to describe the ability of mirrors, lenses, and other optical elements to reflect light
• Acoustics: to describe the ability of surfaces and materials to reflect sound waves
• Materials science: to describe the reflective properties of different materials
• Engineering: to assess the effectiveness of reflective coatings and materials in applications such as energy efficiency and camouflage

reflectivity relate terms

• reflective

  Etymology The word reflective comes from the Latin word reflectus which means to be

• reflect

• reflection

  Etymology The word reflection is derived from the Latin word reflectiō which means

• coefficient

  Etymology The word coefficient comes from the Latin word cohaerere meaning to stic

• echo

  Etymology The word echo comes from the Greek êkhô which means a sound that is re

• reverberation

  Etymology Reverberation is derived from the Latin word reverberare meaning to strik

• replication

  Etymology From Latin replicat iōn the supine stem of replicāre to fold back M

• factor

  Etymology Latin factum a deed act event Past participle of facere to do make

• hero

  Etymology The word hero originates from the Greek word ἥρως herōs which refe

• nylon

  Etymology Nylon is a portmanteau of NY for New York and lon from the chemical suffix

• divine

  Etymology The word divine comes from the Latin word divus meaning god or godlike

• gloss

  Etymology From Middle English glose from Old French glose from Medieval Latin gl