intensity

noun

in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sə-tē How to pronounce intensity (audio)
plural intensities
1
: the quality or state of being intense
especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling
2
: the magnitude of a quantity (such as force or energy) per unit (as of area, charge, mass, or time)
3

Examples of intensity in a Sentence

the intensity of the sun's rays the intensity of the argument The sun shone with great intensity.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Amidst the intensity of meeting tight deadlines and working at an optimum level for extended periods, Kathy believes a necessary element of ‘fun’ is missing from the equation. Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024 Energy to pump freshwater to shore through long subsea pipes can be supplied by renewable sources, resulting in a process with about half the energy intensity of conventional desalination. Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 But despite such heady material, the book itself is pleasurably earthbound and uncomplicated, shifting from one character in his Norwegian ensemble to the next with charm and intelligence, blending the wonder of science fiction with the moody intensity of a murder mystery. Mark Athitakis, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024 To watch Wilson’s play unfold—whether onstage or on the screen— is to feel the intensity of his respect for Bearden’s artistry, and for the musical traditions imbued in both of their works. Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intensity 

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intensity was in 1665

Dictionary Entries Near intensity

Cite this Entry

“Intensity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensity. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

intensity

noun
in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē How to pronounce intensity (audio)
plural intensities
1
: the quality or state of being intense
especially : extreme strength, force, or feeling
2
: the degree or amount of a quality or condition
the intensity of an electric field

Medical Definition

intensity

noun
in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē How to pronounce intensity (audio)
plural intensities
1
: the quality or state of being intense
especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling
2
: the magnitude of a quantity (as force or energy) per unit (as of surface, charge, mass, or time)
3

More from Merriam-Webster on intensity

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