Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Tending to emit or send forth: "emissive" describes something that has the quality or capacity to emit (give off or release) energy, light, heat, particles, or other substances.
   • Related to emission: Characterized by or involved in the process of emitting.

Usage Examples

• (The material's ability to emit energy is useful.)
• (Cameras pick up heat that is being given off.)
• (The light the star emits shows its makeup.)

Advanced Usage

• "emissive power": the rate at which a surface emits radiant energy per unit area.

  • The emissive power of a black body is a key concept in thermodynamics. (The energy emitted per area is studied.)

• "emissive layer": in electronics, a layer in a device (like an OLED) that emits light when electrically stimulated.

  • The emissive layer in the screen produces vibrant colours. (The layer gives off coloured light.)

Variants and Related Words

• Emission (n): the act or process of emitting; something emitted.

  • The factory monitors its carbon emissions. (The amount of gas it releases.)

• Emitter (n): a person or thing that emits something.

  • The radio transmitter is an emitter of signals. (It sends out signals.)

• Emit (v): to send forth or release.

  • The volcano emits smoke and ash. (It releases these substances.)

Synonyms

• Radiant: emitting rays of light or heat.
• Radiating: sending out in rays or waves.
• Transmissive: capable of transmitting or passing through (related but distinct).

Related Idioms

Phrasal Verbs