Definition

1. Verb:
   • To send out or give off (something such as light, heat, sound, or gas): To release or discharge a substance or energy into the surrounding environment.
   • To utter or express (a sound or words) audibly: To produce vocal sounds or speech.

Usage and Examples

• To send out light, heat, or particles:

  • The sun emits light and heat.
  • The factory's chimney was emitting thick, black smoke.
  • A radioactive material can emit dangerous radiation.

• To produce sound or voice:

  • The device emits a high-pitched warning beep when the battery is low.
  • She emitted a sigh of relief when she heard the good news.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Scientific/Technical Context: Often used in physics, chemistry, and engineering to describe the release of energy or matter.

  • LEDs emit light when an electric current passes through them.
  • Volcanoes emit large amounts of ash and gases during an eruption.

• Formal or Literary Context for Sounds: Can be used for non-verbal sounds made by people or animals, often conveying a specific emotion.

  • The wounded animal emitted a low groan.

Variants and Related Words

• Emissive (adj): Having the power to emit radiation or energy.
  • The material's emissive properties were tested.
• Emitter (n): A person or thing that emits something.
  • The country is one of the largest carbon emitters.
• Emission (n): The act of emitting or something that is emitted.
  • The new regulations aim to reduce vehicle emissions.

Synonyms

• Give off: To send out (heat, light, a smell).
• Discharge: To allow (a substance) to flow out from somewhere.
• Release: To allow (something) to move, act, or flow freely.
• Radiate: To emit energy, especially light or heat, in the form of rays.
• Utter: To make a sound with one's voice.

Antonyms

• Absorb: To take in or soak up.
• Contain: To hold or keep within limits.
• Retain: To continue to hold or keep.

Phrasal Verbs / Common Collocations

• Emit from: To be sent out from a source.
  • Strange noises were emitting from the old engine.
• Often collocates with nouns for substances or energies: emit light, heat, radiation, sound, gas, smoke, smell, carbon dioxide, a cry, a sigh.

Verb

1. express audibly; utter sounds (not necessarily words)
   • She let out a big heavy sigh
   • He uttered strange sounds that nobody could understand
2. give off, send forth, or discharge; as of light, heat, or radiation, vapor, etc.
   • The ozone layer blocks some harmful rays which the sun emits
3. expel (gases or odors)