exposure

[ ik-spoh-zher ]

noun

1. the act of exposing, laying open, or uncovering:

   the sudden exposure of objects that were hidden under the blanket.

   Antonyms: concealment

2. the fact or state of being exposed:

   A bandage will avoid exposure of the wound.

3. disclosure, as of something private or secret:

   the exposure of their invasion plans.

   Synonyms: divulgement, exposé, revelation

4. an act or instance of revealing or unmasking, as an impostor, crime, or fraud:

   the exposure of graft and corruption.

5. presentation to view, especially in an open or public manner:

   His exposure of his anger shocked the company.

   Synonyms: display

6. indecent exposure ( def ):

   The suspect was arrested for exposure in public.

7. a laying open or subjecting to the action or influence of something:

   The exposure of his theories to ridicule destroyed his self-confidence.

8. the condition of being exposed to danger, harm, etc.:

   exposure to toxic mold;

   exposure to a deadly disease.

9. the condition of being exposed without protection to the effects of harsh weather, especially the cold:

   to suffer from exposure.

10. Photography.
    1. the act of presenting a photosensitive surface to rays of light.
    2. the total amount of light received by a photosensitive surface or an area of such a surface, expressed as the product of the degree of illumination and the period of illumination.
    3. the image resulting from the effects of light rays on a photosensitive surface.
11. situation with regard to sunlight or wind; aspect:

    a southern exposure.

12. a putting out or deserting, especially of a child, without shelter or protection; abandonment.
13. something exposed, as to view; an exposed surface:

    exposures of rock.

14. public appearance, notice, attention, mention, or discussion, especially in the media:

    great ways to gain exposure for your products on TV and on the internet.

15. a prominent, often overextended position or commitment, as in investment, that is considered precarious and risky:

    The bank was nervous about its exposure in Iran.

exposure

/ ɪkˈspəʊʒə /

noun

1. the act of exposing or the condition of being exposed
2. the position or outlook of a house, building, etc; aspect

   the bedroom has a southern exposure

3. lack of shelter from the weather, esp the cold

   to die of exposure

4. a surface that is exposed

   an exposure of granite

5. mountaineering the degree to which a climb, etc is exposed See exposed
6. photog
   1. the act of exposing a photographic film or plate to light, X-rays, etc
   2. an area on a film or plate that has been exposed to light, etc
   3. ( as modifier )

      exposure control

7. photog
   1. the intensity of light falling on a photographic film or plate multiplied by the time for which it is exposed
   2. a combination of lens aperture and shutter speed used in taking a photograph

      he used the wrong exposure

8. appearance or presentation before the public, as in a theatre, on television, or in films
9. See indecent exposure

Other Words From

• nonex·posure noun
• postex·posure adjective
• reex·posure noun
• self-ex·posure noun
• semi·ex·posure noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exposure¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; expose + -ure

Example Sentences

A new study from researchers at Kumamoto University sheds light on a potential link between exposure to certain everyday chemicals during pregnancy and the development of asthma in children.

From Science Daily

But that dangerous feeling of exposure is the central preoccupation of the new drama “Queer,” and it can’t be explored without a lead actor who is similarly willing to offer himself up.

From New York Times

Habituation -- adaptation's less-glamorous sibling -- involves the lessening response to a stimulus after repeated exposure.

From Science Daily

"We found that larger bumble bee queens, typically more likely to survive winter and establish successful colonies, were paradoxically more vulnerable to pesticide exposure," Dr. Rondeau explains.

From Science Daily

Cooking daily with a black plastic product can lead to increased exposure to toxic chemicals over time.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disclosure
• hazard
• liability
• publicity
• risk
• vulnerability