color temperature

noun

, Optics, Photography.

1. a temperature defined in terms of the temperature of a black body at which it emits light of a specified spectral distribution: used to specify the color of a light source.

Word History and Origins

Origin of color temperature¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

If you have them, look for diffusers and bulbs that offer warm colors — for LEDs, the color temperature should be a warm white of about 2,700 Kelvin — and make sure you have dimmers.

From Seattle Times

A cooler color temperature and a feeling of dread add to the faux persona environment, each hinting at the unwanted world closing in on him.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s also important to know the color temperature of the various lights you plan to use.

From Seattle Times

While LEDs with a color temperature of 2,700 Kelvin are similar to incandescent light bulbs, Berman noted, in the kitchen “we’ll bump it up to 3,000 Kelvin, which is a little brighter and whiter.”

From Seattle Times

Whether you use dim-to-warm lights or not, all of the fixtures in your kitchen should be a similar color temperature.

From Seattle Times