Definition

The amount of light or other radiation that is reflected off a surface compared to the amount that hits it.

Example

The reflectance of the water surface changes depending on the angle of the sun.

Conversation

I read an interesting article about reflectance and how it affects color perception.

Oh really? I didn't know that could change how we see colors.

Yeah, it mentioned how different surfaces have varying reflectance values.

That makes sense! I guess that's why some colors look different in different lighting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Reflectance → It is formed from "re-" (meaning back) and "flectere" (meaning to bend). The word describes the property of light bending back when it strikes a surface.

Memory Tip

Think of light bending 'back' ('re-') when it hits a surface ('flectere') — that's what reflectance means.

Visually Confused Words