transmittance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “transmittance” mean?
The ratio of the light or other radiant energy that passes through a substance to the total energy falling upon it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ratio of the light or other radiant energy that passes through a substance to the total energy falling upon it.
More broadly, the effectiveness of a material in transmitting radiation, expressed as a percentage or fraction; also used metaphorically to describe the degree to which something (like an idea or quality) is conveyed or passed on.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is used identically in scientific contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely technical, with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse, but standard in scientific fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “transmittance” in a Sentence
the transmittance of [material] at [wavelength]calculate the transmittancea transmittance of [value]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “transmittance” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The spectrometer is used to measure how much light the solution transmits.
- The glass transmits over 90% of visible light.
American English
- The new coating allows the window to transmit more infrared light.
- The sample did not transmit any radiation at that wavelength.
adverb
British English
- The light passed transmissively through the clear liquid.
- The signal was sent transmissively via the fibre.
American English
- The layer functions transmissively, not reflectively.
- Data can flow transmissively across the network.
adjective
British English
- The transmissive properties of the polymer were analysed.
- We need a highly transmissive medium for the experiment.
American English
- The material's transmissive characteristics are listed in the datasheet.
- A transmissive optical element was used.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in technical sales for optical materials.
Academic
Common in physics, chemistry, optical engineering, and materials science publications.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be misunderstood.
Technical
Core term in spectroscopy, photometry, glazing/glass specifications, and lens design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “transmittance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “transmittance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “transmittance”
- Using 'transmittance' to mean the act of transmitting (use 'transmission').
- Confusing 'transmittance' (ratio) with 'transmissivity' (property).
- Pronouncing the first syllable as /træn-ˈsmɪt-/ instead of /trænz-ˈmɪt-/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Transmission' is the general process or act of passing something on. 'Transmittance' is a specific, dimensionless quantity (a ratio or percentage) measuring how much radiant energy is transmitted through a material.
In spectroscopy, they are related but not direct opposites. Transmittance (T) is the fraction of light that passes through, while Absorbance (A) is calculated as A = -log10(T). High transmittance means low absorbance, and vice versa.
It is highly unlikely and would sound overly technical. In everyday contexts, use words like 'clarity', 'see-throughness', or simply 'how much light gets through'.
It is often expressed as a percentage (%T) from 0% to 100%, or as a decimal fraction from 0 to 1. A value of 0.85 or 85% means 85% of the incident light passes through.
The ratio of the light or other radiant energy that passes through a substance to the total energy falling upon it.
Transmittance is usually technical / scientific in register.
Transmittance: in British English it is pronounced /trænzˈmɪt.əns/, and in American English it is pronounced /trænsˈmɪt.əns/ /trænzˈmɪt.əns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'TRANSMITTANCE' as the CHANCE of light to pass through – a measure of its TRANSMIT-ANCE. Like the percentage chance a runner makes it through a gate.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FILTER'S EFFICIENCY; a WINDOW'S CLARITY; a measure of PERMEABILITY for light.
Practice
Quiz
In a scientific paper, 'transmittance' most precisely refers to: