blackbody radiation

noun

: the characteristic thermal radiation emitted by a blackbody when heated

Instead, one gets a sort of averaged-out behavior called "blackbody radiation," which has not much to do with the details of what a hot object is made of. The only relevant factor is the temperature.

—Boston Globe, 10 Mar. 2005

called also Planckian radiation

compare planck radiation law

Note: The blackbody radiation is the theoretical maximum amount of radiation that a body can emit at a given temperature.

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

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