dark adaptation

noun

, Ophthalmology.

1. the reflex adaptation of the eye to dim light, consisting of a dilatation of the pupil and an increase in the number of functioning rods accompanied by a decrease in the number of functioning cones ( light adaptation ).

Other Words From

• dark-a·dapted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dark adaptation¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

To come now to the sense of sight, we have light adaptation, dark adaptation, and color adaptation.

From Project Gutenberg

Dark adaptation is equivalent to sensitizing the retina for faint light.

From Project Gutenberg