Designation: E 284 – 99a

Standard Terminology of
Appearance1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 284; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

INTRODUCTION

Appearance, including the appearance of objects, materials, and light sources, is of importance in
many arts, industries, and scientific disciplines. Appearance terms are used in a wide range of ASTM
standards as well as other documents of concern in standardization, testing, and specification. The
purpose of this terminology standard is to define terms relating to the description of appearance.
Definitions are of two distinctly different kinds. A descriptive definition reports existing usage,
whereas a prescriptive definition is an invitation to use a term in a specific way. By agreement of
ASTM Committee E-12 on Appearance, the definitions in this terminology standard are taken to be
prescriptive in nature. Committee E-12 thereby assumes a position of leadership in usage.
Terms and definitions in several terminology standards and vocabularies other than ASTM (see
References), as well as other ASTM terminology standards, have been considered for inclusion in this
terminology standard. An effort has been made to achieve greater accuracy, brevity, clarity, precision,
and internal consistency, and to draw distinctions that are useful in the practical measurement and
specification of appearance.
Suggestions for additions or revisions to this terminology standard are welcome.

1. Scope cal committees. Its use by committees other than Committee

1.1 This terminology standard defines terms used in the E-12 on Appearance, and its citation in the standards of such
description of appearance, including but not limited to color, committees, is encouraged.
gloss, opacity, scattering, texture, and visibility of both mate- 2.2 In this terminology standard, definitions of terms used in
rials (ordinary, fluorescent, retroreflective) and light sources other ASTM standards are indicated by placing the designation
(including visual display units). of that standard in parentheses at the end of the definition.
1.2 It is the policy of ASTM Committee E-12 on Appear- Definitions used by other organizations (see Refs (5–7)) are
ance that this terminology standard include important terms indicated similarly by placing in parentheses at the end of the
and definitions explicit to the scope, whether or not the terms definition the acronym of the organization, occasionally with
are currently used in an ASTM standard. Terms that are in the date of its terminology standard quoted. In either case, a
common use and appear in common-language dictionaries (see superscript letter may be used to indicate the degree of
Refs (1–4)2) are generally not included, except when the correspondence between the definition given herein and that in
dictionaries show multiple definitions and it seems desirable to the citation. Superscript A indicates that the two are identical;
indicate the definitions recommended for E 12 standards. B that the given definition is a modification of that cited, with
1.3 The usage of terms describing appearance varies con- little difference in essential meaning; and C that the two differ
siderably. In some cases, different usage of a term in different substantially.
fields has been noted. 2.3 A further parenthetical inclusion at the end of the
definition gives the revision, if after 1981, in which the
2. Significance and Use definition was added to this terminology standard or last
2.1 This terminology standard contains definitions of ap- revised. An appendix at the end of this terminology standard
pearance terms applicable to the work of many ASTM techni- lists changes in it since its last previous revision published in
the Annual Book of ASTM Standards.
1
These definitions are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-12 on Color
2.4 Where appropriate, symbols or acronyms are listed for
and Appearance and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E12.01 on terms in this terminology standard. Since usage varies, these
Terminology. listings should be considered as recommendations, not as
Current edition approved June 10, 1999. Published August 1999. Originally mandatory. If a different symbol or acronym is used in another
published as E 284 – 66 T. Last previous edition E 284 – 99.
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
ASTM standard, this should be indicated in that standard.
text. 2.5 In the 1990 edition of this terminology standard, a great

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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many terms were relocated to conform to the recommendation rated, the reported “accuracy” must be interpreted as a combination of
of the Form and Style for ASTM Standards, (Blue Book) that these two elements. See bias, precision.
listings be in spoken word order. In general, there are no achromatic, adj—( 1) for primary light sources, the computed
crossreferences between the old and new listings, except where chromaticity of the equal-energy spectrum. (1995)
a special function is served. An example of such a special (2) for surface colors, the color of a whitish light, serving as
function is to list all terms relating to a given basic quantity, for the illuminant, to which adaptation has taken place in the visual
example, all terms defining various sorts of angles. system of the observer. (1995)
2.6 This terminology standard adopts the following usage of (3) perceived as having no hue, that is, as white, gray, or
certain word endings. The ending “ion” denotes a process, as in black. [CIE] B
reflection; “ance” denotes a property of a specimen, as in
Adams color difference, n—color difference calculated by
reflectance; and“ ity” denotes a property of the kind of material
using the Adams-Nickerson opponent-color equations, based
of which the specimen is composed, as in reflectivity. Excep-
on applying the Munsell Value function to CIE 1931
tions exist, as in the common use of illumination and radiation
tristimulus values X, Y, Z. (1988)
to refer to quantities as well as processes.
additive color mixture, n—superposition or other nondestruc-
3. Terminology tive combination of lights of different perceived colors.
(1995)
3.1 Definitions:
additive color stimulus mixture, n— method of simulation
AATCC blue wool lightfastness standards, n—standard that combines on the retina the actions of various color
dyed-wool samples of seven grades, each step in the series stimuli in such a manner that they cannot be perceived
representing a doubling of lightfastness. individually. (1995a) [CIE]A
DISCUSSION—Available from the American Association of Textile
additive primaries, n— same as primary color stimuli.
Chemists and Colorists. ambient field, n—when an object or light source is viewed, the
complete area beyond the surround from which light might
abridged spectrophotometry, n—the measurement of reflec- reach the observer’s eyes and influence the object’s appear-
tance factor or transmittance factor in a number of wave- ance. See surround.
length bands rather than as continuous functions of wave- American Public Health Association (APHA) color, n—see
length. platinum cobalt color scale.
DISCUSSION—The wavelength bands may be isolated by the use of an angle, n—see aperture angle, aperture solid angle, azi-
array of sensors with a dispersing system or by the use of narrow-band muthal angle, entrance angle, observation angle, rotation
filters. angle, specular angle.
absorbance, A, n—logarithm to the base 10 of the reciprocal angle of illumination, n—angle between the specimen normal
of the internal transmittance TI. A 5 log 10 (1/TI) 5 −log 10 and the illuminator axis. (1991b)
TI. (1990) (E 131)B angle of incidence, n—the angle between a ray impinging on
absorptance a, n—the ratio of the absorbed radiant or a surface at a point and the perpendicular to the surface at
luminous flux to the incident flux. [CIE]A that point. In the description of a beam, the angle of
absorption, n—the transformation of radiant energy to a incidence of the ray at the center of the beam.
different form of energy by interaction with matter. angle of reflection, n—the angle between a ray reflected from
[CIE]A a surface at a point and the perpendicular to the surface at
absorption coefficient, a, n—measure of the absorption of that point.
radiant energy from an incident beam (Po) as it traverses an angle of view, n—angle between the normal to the surface of
absorbing medium according to Bouguer’s law, P 5 Po e−ab, the specimen and the axis of the receiver. (1988a)
where b is the sample optical pathlength. (1988) (E 131) angle, rotation, n— see rotation angle.
absorption tinting strength, n—relative change in the absorp- angular subtense, n— visual, the angle subtended (by an
tion properties of a standard white material when a specified object) at the first nodal point of the eye.
amount of an absorbing colorant, black or chromatic, is annular, adj—descriptor for directional illuminating (or view-
added to it. (1988a) ing) geometry in which the illuminator provides radiation (or
the receiver possesses responsivity) that is distributed con-
DISCUSSION—See the Discussion to masstone.
tinuously and uniformly throughout the 360° of azimuth of
absorptivity, a, n—the absorbance divided by the product of the measurement. (See also circumferential.) (1989)
the concentration, c, of the substance and the sample optical (E 1164)
pathlength, b, a 5 A/bc. The units of b and c shall be aperture angle, 2k, n—angle subtended at a point on a
specified. (1988) (E 131) specimen by the maximum dimension of the illuminator or
accuracy, n—the closeness of agreement between a test result receiver, within which the flux in a directional beam is
and an accepted reference value. (1993) contained. (1990)
DISCUSSION—The qualitative term accuracy, when applied to a set of DISCUSSION—In optics, the symbol k is used for the half angle; hence
observed values, will be a combination of a random precision compo- the recommended symbol here is 2k. (E 179)
nent and a systematic error or bias component. Since in routine use
random components and bias components cannot be completely sepa- aperture mode, n—color seen through an aperture which

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prevents its association with a specific object or source. bidirectional, as in bidirectional optical measuring system.
aperture solid angle, v, n—solid angle subtended at a point (1991b)
on the specimen, defined by the sum of rays from the bidirectional, adj— see bidirectional optical measuring sys-
illuminator or the sum of directions in which the receiver is tem. (1991)
sensitive to incoming radiation. (1990) (E 167) bidirectional optical measuring system, n—an optical sys-
aperture stop, n—the physical diameter that limits the size of tem for measuring the reflecting or transmitting properties of
the cone of radiation that an optical system will accept from specimens, wherein the illuminator and receiver each sub-
an axial point on the object. (1988) [OSA]A tend small angles at the specimen surface. (1988a)
appearance, n—( 1) the aspect of visual experience by which blackbody, n— see the preferred term, full radiator.
things are recognized. (1990) bleached specimen, n—specimen whose absorptance has been
(2) in psychophysical studies, visual perception in which the decreased by chemical or radiant means. (1987) [TAPPI]
spectral and geometric aspects of a visual stimulus are inte- bleeding, n—the unintentional transfer of coloring matter from
grated with its illuminating and viewing environment. (1993) one medium to or through another.
(E 1499) bloom, n—the scattering of light in directions near the specular
area reflector, n—reflector subtending a relatively large solid angle of reflection by a deposit on or exudation from a
angle at the observer’s eye, so that the observer can clearly specimen.
distinguish its size and shape. (1988) body color, n—color produced by absorption and scattering of
artificial daylight, n—an artificial light that has a spectral light by colorants within a colored material. (1988)
power distribution approximating that of a phase of natural Bouguer’s law, n—the absorbance of a homogeneous sample
daylight. (1995) is directly proportional to the thickness of the sample in the
aspecular, adj—away from the specular direction. (1995) optical path. (Also known as Lambert’s [thickness] law.)
aspecular angle, n—viewing angle measured from the specu- (1988) (E 131)
lar direction, in the illuminator plane unless otherwise brightness, n—( 1) aspect of visual perception whereby an
specified. (1995a) area appears to emit more or less light. (1995) [CIE] B
(F 923)
DISCUSSION—Positive values of the aspecular angle are in the
(2) of an object color, combination of lightness and
direction toward the illuminator axis.
saturation.
attributes of color—( 1) for the object mode of appearance, (3) in the textile industry, perceived as saturated, vivid,
hue, lightness, and saturation. In the Munsell system, Mun- deep, or clean.
sell Hue, Munsell Value, and Munsell Chroma. DISCUSSION—This usage may conflict with Definition 2 in the case of
( 2) for the illuminant or aperture mode, hue, brightness, dark colors.
and saturation.
(4) of paper, reflectance of an infinitely thick specimen
azimuthal angle, h, n—angle between the plane containing
(reflectivity) measured for blue light with a centroid wave-
the axis of the illuminator (or the path of illumination) and
length of 457 nm under specified spectral and geometric
the specimen normal and the plane containing the axis of the
conditions of measurement. (1987)
receiver (or the path of reception) and the specimen normal.
(5) dyer’s, the color quality, combining lightness and satu-
The origin and direction of measure of the angle should be
ration, that would be decreased by adding black, gray, or a
specified when required. (1990) (E 179)
complementary color to a chromatic dye. [TAPPI T 452]
azimuthal viewing, n—deprecated term; do not use. Replace
azimuthal by annular or circumferential. (1995a) bronzy color (or bronzing), n—a metallic coloration observed
basic color terms, n—a group of eleven color names found in when viewing the light reflected at angles near the angle of
anthropological surveys to be in wide use in fully developed specular reflection, the color usually being quite different
languages: white, black, red, green, yellow, blue, brown, from that observed for other directions.
gray, orange, purple, pink. (1990) calibrate, v—to find and eliminate systematic errors of an
beam, n—in optics, a concentrated unidirectional flow of instrument scale or method of measurement by use of
radiant energy. (1988) material standards and techniques traceable to an authorized
Beer’s law, n—the absorbance of a homogeneous sample national or international measurement system. (1994a)
containing an absorbing substance is directly proportional to DISCUSSION—As defined here, calibration is normally carried out by
the concentration of the absorbing substance. See also an instrument manufacturer. See standardize, verify.
absorptivity. (1988) (E 131)
bias, n—a systematic difference between the sample mean of candela, cd, n—the SI unit of luminous intensity; the luminous
the measurements or test results and an accepted reference intensity, in a given direction, of a source that emits
value. (1993) monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 3 10 12 hertz and
that has a radiant intensity in that direction of (1/683) watt
DISCUSSION—Bias is the systematic component of accuracy. There per steradian.
may be one or more systematic error components contributing to the
bias. In appearance measurement, the accepted reference value is DISCUSSION—The lone frequency of 540 3 10 12 Hz mentioned in the
usually assigned to a standard specimen; see physical standard. definition has a wavelength of 555.016 nm in standard air, which for
almost all purposes can be taken to be 555 nm without affecting the
biconical, adj— see the preferred but not equivalent term, accuracy of a real measurement. For sources at other frequencies

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(wavelengths), scale their spectral radiant intensities by the spectral which the computed chromaticity of a CIE test color sample
luminous efficiency function, V(l). [CIE]A illuminated by a test illuminant conforms to that of the same
centroid wavelength, n—wavelength marking the center, in sample illuminated by a reference illuminant. (1995)
terms of area under a curve, of a function of wavelength DISCUSSION—For eight CIE test-color samples, the results are CIE
weighted by multiplication with a specified response func- special color-rendering indices, R i, i 5 1–8. The average of these is the
tion. (1988) CIE general color-rendering index Ra. [CIE]C
DISCUSSION—In the case of (TAPPI) brightness (of paper) the CIE primaries, n—the primary color stimuli used in the CIE
response function is obtained by the use of a special blue tristimulus- system of colorimetry.
colorimeter filter. CIE spectral tristimulus values, n— tristimulus values or
characterize, v—to specify the parameters or performance of color-matching functions of the spectral components of an
an instrument or method of measurement. (1994) equal-energy spectrum in the CIE (XYZ) system. (1990)
DISCUSSION—For example, in appearance measurement, the param- DISCUSSION—The color matching functions are assigned the symbols
eters might include the geometric and spectral nature of the illuminator x̄ (l), ȳ (l), z̄ (l) in the CIE 1931 colorimetric system and x̄10(l),
and the receiver, and the performance might be specified by measures ȳ10(l), z̄ 10(l) in the CIE 1964 supplementary colorimetric system.
of reliability, precision, and bias. [CIE]B
chemical luminescence, n—luminescence resulting from a CIE 1931 (x, y) chromaticity diagram, n—chromaticity
chemical reaction. (See also luminescence.) diagram for the CIE 1931 standard observer, in which the
chroma, n—(1) attribute of color used to indicate the degree of CIE 1931 chromaticity coordinates are plotted, with x as
departure of the color from a gray of the same lightness. See abscissa and y as ordinate. (1993)
also Munsell chroma. (1989b) CIE 1964 (x 10, y10) chromaticity diagram, n—chromaticity
(2) C*, (in the CIE 1976 L*, a*, b* or L*, u*, v* system) the diagram for the CIE 1964 supplementary standard observer,
quantity C*ab 5 (a*2 + b* 2)1/2 or C*uv 5 (u*2 + v* 2)1/2. in which the CIE 1964 chromaticity coordinates are plotted,
(1989b). with x10 as abscissa and y10 as ordinate. (1993)
(3) attribute of a visual perception, produced by an object CIE 1976 (u*, v*) or ( u*10, v*10) chromaticity diagram,
color, that permits a judgment to be made of the amount of pure n—chromaticity diagram in which the CIE 1976 L* u* v*
chromatic color present, irrespective of the amount of achro- (CIELUV) chromaticity coordinates are plotted, with u8 (or
matic color. (1995) u8 10) as abscissa and v8 (or v810) as ordinate. (1993)
DISCUSSION—See also saturation, Definition 2. DISCUSSION—These chromaticity diagrams should be used when
diagrams more nearly equally visually spaced than the (x, y) or (x10,
chromatic, adj—perceived as having a hue; not white, gray, or y10) diagrams are desired.
black.
CIE 1931 standard colorimetric system, n—a system for
chromatic adaptation, n—changes in the visual system’s
determining the tristimulus values of any spectral power
sensitivities due to changes in the spectral quality of illumi-
distribution using the set of reference color stimuli X, Y, Z
nating and viewing conditions. (1988)
and the three CIE color-matching functions x̄ (l), ȳ (l), z̄ (l)
chromaticity, n—the color quality of a color stimulus defin-
adopted by the CIE in 1931. (1987) [CIE]A
able by its chromaticity coordinates, or by its dominant (or
CIE standard illuminant A, n—colorimetric illuminant, rep-
complementary) wavelength and its purity taken together.
resenting the full radiator at 2855.6 K, defined by the CIE in
[CIE]A
terms of a relative spectral power distribution. [CIE]B
chromaticity coordinates, n—the ratio of each of the tristimu-
CIE standard illuminant B, n—colorimetric illuminant, rep-
lus values of any viewed light to the sum of the three. (1995)
resenting direct sunlight with a correlated color temperature
DISCUSSION—Chromaticity coordinates in the CIE 1931 system of of 4874 K, defined by the CIE in terms of a relative spectral
color specification are designated by x, y, z and in the CIE 1964 power distribution. Declared obsolete by the CIE in 1983.
supplementary system x10, y10, z10.) (1988)
chromaticity diagram, n—a plane diagram in which points CIE standard illuminant C, n—colorimetric illuminant, rep-
specified by chromaticity coordinates represent the chroma- resenting daylight with a correlated color temperature of
ticities of lights (color stimuli). (1995) [CIE]B 6774 K, defined by the CIE in terms of a relative spectral
chromaticness, n—( 1) attribute of visual perception combin- power distribution. [CIE] B
ing the hue and saturation. (1995) CIE standard illuminant D65, n—colorimetric illuminant,
(2) attribute of a visual perception according to which the representing daylight with a correlated color temperature of
color of an area appears to be more or less chromatic. (1995) 6504 K, defined by the CIE in terms of a relative spectral
power distribution. (1987) [CIE] B
DISCUSSION—The term colorfulness is sometimes used as a synonym
CIE 1931 standard observer, n—ideal colorimetric observer
for Definition (2). [CIE, 1970]B [CIE, 1987] B
with color matching functions x̄(l), ȳ (l), z̄ (l) correspond-
CIE, n—the abbreviation for the French title of the Interna- ing to a field of view subtending a 2° angle on the retina;
tional Commission on Illumination, Commission Internatio- commonly called the 882° standard observer.” (1988)
nale de l’Éclairage. [CIE]B
CIE color-rendering index, R, n—measure of the degree to CIE standard source A, n—a gas-filled tungsten-filament

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lamp operated at a correlated color temperature of 2855.6 K. DISCUSSION—Based on the lightness, hue, chroma version of
[CIE] B CIELAB, it incorporates chroma and hue-angle correction terms for
CIE standard source B, n—standard source A combined with improved visual spacing and variable weighting factors for lightness (l)
and chroma (c) relative to hue for improved correlation depending on
a specified liquid filter, to provide radiant flux with a type of judgment (acceptability, perceptibility) and application (textiles,
correlated color temperature of 4874 K. Declared obsolete others).
by the CIE in 1983. (1988)
CIE standard source C, n—standard source A combined with coefficient of line retroreflection, RM, n—of a reflecting stripe,
a specified liquid filter, to provide radiant flux with a the ratio of the coefficient of luminous intensity (RI) of a
correlated color temperature of 6774 K. (1988) [CIE]B retroreflecting stripe to its length (l), expressed in candelas
CIE 1964 supplementary standard colorimetric system, per lux per metre (cd·lx−1·m −1). RM 5 (RI/ l). (1988)
n—a system for determining the tristimulus values of any (E 808)
spectral power distribution using the set of reference color coefficient of luminous intensity R I, n—of a retroreflector,
stimuli X10, Y10, Z10, and the three CIE color-matching ratio of the luminous intensity (I) of the retroreflector in the
functions x̄10(l), ȳ 10(l), z̄ 10(l) adopted by the CIE in 1964. direction of observation to the illuminance ( E') at the
(1989) [CIE] A retroreflector on a plane perpendicular to the direction of the
CIE 1964 supplementary standard observer, n—ideal colo- incident light, expressed in candelas per lux (cd·lx −1).
rimetric observer with color matching functions x̄10(l), ȳ RI 5 (I/E'). (1988) (E 808)
10(l), z̄10(l) corresponding to a field of view subtending a coefficient of retroreflected luminance, RL, n— ratio of the
10° angle on the retina; commonly called the 8810° standard luminance, L, of a projected surface to the normal illumi-
observer.” (1988) [CIE]B nance, E', at the surface on a plane normal to the incident
CIE 1976 uniform-chromaticity-scale diagram, n—the light, −2expressed in candelas per square metre per lux
uniform-chromaticity-scale diagram produced by plotting in (cd·m ·lx −1). RL 5 (L/E'). (1988) (E 808)
rectangular coordinates v8 against u8, quantities defined as coefficient of retroreflection, RA, n—of a plane reflecting
follows: surface, the ratio of the coefficient of luminous intensity (RI)
u8 5 4X/~X 1 15Y 1 3Z! 5 4x/~22x 1 12y 1 3! (1)
of a plane retroreflecting surface to its area (A), expressed in
candelas per lux per square metre (cd·lx−1·m−2). RA 5 (RI/
v8 5 9Y/~X 1 15Y 1 3Z! 5 9y/~22x 1 12y 1 3! A). (1988) (E 808)
for the CIE 1931 standard colorimetric system, or v810 collector, n—optical components, such as the cornea and lens
against u810 for the CIE 1964 supplementary standard colori- of the eye, which guide radiant flux from a specimen being
metric system, in which case in the above formulae X10, Y10, observed or measured to a sensor.
Z10 are used instead of X, Y, Z and x10, y 10 instead of x, y.
DISCUSSION—A collector and a sensor comprise a receiver.
(1987) [CIE]A
CIELAB color difference, n—color difference calculated by color, n—(1) of an object, aspect of object appearance distinct
using the CIE 1976 L* a* b* opponent-color scales, based from form, shape, size, position, or gloss that depends upon
on applying a cube-root transformation to CIE 1931 tris- the spectral composition of the incident light, the spectral
timulus values X, Y, Z or CIE 1964 tristimulus values X 10, reflectance or transmittance of the object, and the spectral
Y10, Z 10. (1988) response of the observer, as well as the illuminating and
CIELUV color difference, n—color difference calculated by viewing geometry. (1987)
using the CIE 1976 L* u* v* opponent-color scales, based on (2) perceived, attribute of visual perception that can be
a linear transformation of CIE chromaticity coordinates x, y, described by color names such as white, gray, black, yellow,
or x10, y 10 and a cube-root transformation of Y or Y10 to L*, brown, vivid red, deep reddish purple, or by combinations of
applied to CIE 1931 tristimulus values X, Y, Z or CIE 1964 such names.
tristimulus values X10, Y10, Z 10. (1988)
DISCUSSION—Perceived color depends greatly on the spectral power
circumferential, adj—descriptor for directional illuminating distribution of the color stimulus, but also on the size, shape, structure,
(or viewing) geometry in which the illuminator provides and surround of the stimulus area, the state of adaptation of the
radiation (or the receiver possesses responsivity) in many observer’s visual system, and the observer’s experience with similar
beams (or directions), normally distributed at uniform inter- observations.
vals throughout the 360° of azimuth of the measurement. (3) colorimetric—characteristics of a color stimulus de-
The number and angular distribution of the beams (or noted by a colorimetric specification with three values, such as
directions) should be specified. (See also annular.) (1990) tristimulus values.
(E 1164)
clarity, n—the characteristic of a transparent body whereby DISCUSSION—Tristimulus values are sometimes derived on a relative
distinct high-contrast images or high-contrast objects (sepa- rather than an absolute basis. In this case they may need to be
supplemented by the value of a suitable absolute photometric quantity.
rated by some distance from the body) are observable The appearance of colors depends not only on their absolute tristimulus
through the body. values, but also on the conditions under which they are viewed,
cmc (l:c) color difference, n—color difference calculated by including the nature of the surround; however, colors having the same
use of the formula developed by the Colour Measurement absolute tristimulus values appear the same in identical viewing
Committee of the Society of Dyers and Colourists of Great conditions. Spectrally different color stimuli can have the same
Britain. (1990) absolute tristimulus values. [TAPPI] [CIE]B

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colorant, n—dye, pigment, or other agent used to impart a instrumental means, a set of three numbers that describe the
color to a material. (1988) attributes of a color, in the form of a color notation or a
color atlas, n—a collection of color samples arranged accord- colorimetric specification. (1988)
ing to a color order system. (1990) color mixture, n— see additive color mixture, additive color
color constancy, n—the general tendency of the colors of an stimulus mixture, or subtractive color mixture.
object to remain constant when the color of the illumination color notation, n—the symbols used in a systematic way to
is changed. designate colors.
color difference, n—( 1) perceived, the magnitude and char- color order system, n—a rational method or plan of ordering
acter of the difference between two colors described by such and specifying all producible object or display colors, or all
terms as redder, bluer, lighter, darker, grayer, or cleaner. within a limited domain, by means of a set of physical
(2) computed, the magnitude and direction of the difference standards selected and displayed so as to represent ad-
between two psychophysical color stimuli and their compo- equately the whole set of such colors under consideration.
nents computed from tristimulus values, or chromaticity coor- (1990)
dinates and luminance factor, by means of a specified set of color perception, n—subjective impression of color, as modi-
color-difference equations. fied by the conditions of observation and by mental inter-
color-difference units, n—units of size of the color differences pretation of the stimulus object. (1987) [TAPPI]
calculated according to various equations. Such color differ- color preference, n—preference, within a specific application,
ences cannot be accurately converted between different for one color over other related colors. (1988)
equations by the use of average factors. (1988) DISCUSSION—Examples include preferred blue for sky or green for
colorfulness, n— see chromaticness (2). (1991a) grass in photographic color reproduction, and preferred white for bond
color grading, n—the act of identifying a specimen by a color paper.
grade or color score, which is specific to the color and the
material graded. color rendering, n—effect of a light source on the color
colorimeter, n— see tristimulus colorimeter, visual colorim- appearances of objects compared to their color appearances
eter. under a reference light source. (See also CIE color render-
colorimetric purity, pc, n—the fraction of spectrally pure light ing index.) (1988)
in an additive mixture with reference achromatic (white) color scale, n— see Gardner color scale, petroleum color
light to produce a color that matches that of the color scale, platinum-cobalt color scale, Saybolt color.
stimulus considered. (As a reference achromatic light, the color solid, n— see color space. (1987)
CIE recommends an equal energy source for self-luminous color space, n—a geometric space, usually of three dimen-
bodies and illuminant D 65 (daylight) for nonself-luminous sions, in which colors are arranged systematically.
bodies.) [CIE]B color specification, n—notation or set of three color-scale
colorimetry, n—the science of color measurement. values used to designate a color in a specified color system.
color match, n—( 1) condition existing when colors match Practical color specifications may include color tolerances as
within a specified or agreed tolerance. Sometimes called well as target color designation. (1988)
commercial color match. (1988a) color staining, n—the discoloration of a material by transfer of
colorant from another material. (D 123)C
DISCUSSION—Compliance with tolerances can be determined instru- color stimulus, n—a radiant flux capable of producing a color
mentally or visually. If the test for compliance is visual, physical color perception. (1995)
tolerance standards may be used for reference.
color stimulus function, f(l), n—description of a color
(2) condition existing when colors are indistinguishable; a stimulus by the spectral concentration of a radiometric
normal observer is usually implied. Sometimes called an exact quantity, such as radiance or radiant power, as a function of
color match. (1988a). wavelength.
color matching, n—procedure for providing, by selection, DISCUSSION—Compare with spectral power distribution. Unlike a
formulation, adjustment, or other means, a trial color that is spectral power distribution, a color stimulus function is specific to flux
indistinguishable from, or within specified tolerances of, a that is seen by the eye. [CIE] A
specified standard color under specified conditions. (1988a)
color temperature, n— of a source, the temperature, usually
color-matching functions, n—the amounts, in any trichro-
expressed in kelvins, of a full radiator that would emit light
matic system, of the three reference color stimuli needed to
of the same chromaticity as the source. (See also correlated
match by an additive mixture monochromatic components of
color temperature, distribution temperature.) [CIE] B
an equal energy spectrum.
color tolerance, n—the permissible color difference between
DISCUSSION—Symbols for these functions are lower case letters, each sample and specified color.
with a bar above and followed by the Greek letter l in parentheses; the color tolerance set, n—a group of colored standards, usually
lower case letters corresponding to the capital letter symbols for the seven painted chips, arranged on a single card, one exhibit-
reference color stimuli of the system; for example, r̄ (l), ḡ (l), b̄ (l) in
an RGB system, x̄ (l), ȳ (l), z̄ (l), in the CIE 1931 XYZ colorimetric
ing a desired color, and two each exhibiting the limits of the
system, and x̄ 10(l), ȳ10(l), z̄10(l), in the CIE 1964 supplementary permissible range of color variation in each of the color
system which is based on the 10° field of view. attributes.
color measurement, n—process of deriving, by visual or DISCUSSION—An example is one desired color, two limits on Munsell

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value, two limits on Munsell hue, and two limits on Munsell chroma. mission density, or transmittance density.
detector, n—device to convert radiant energy into a neural
complementary color percepts, n—(1) pairs of color per-
signal (such as the eye) or an electrical signal (such as a
cepts, one of which is induced by the other through simul-
phototube, photomultiplier tube, photocell, photodiode, or
taneous contrast; (2) pairs of color percepts, one of which is
the like). (1988)
the negative after-image of the other.
dielectric, adj—pertaining to the appearance of those materials
complementary colors, n—color stimuli that produce a speci-
for which the first surface reflectance is characteristic of the
fied achromatic stimulus when they are suitably mixed in an
illuminant; compare metal-like. (1995)
additive manner.
diffuse, adj—in optical propagation, transmission or reflection
complementary color stimuli, n—pairs of color stimuli that,
of flux with diffusion.
by additive mixture produce an achromatic stimulus.
diffuse reflectance, rd, n—the ratio of the reflected flux to the
complementary wavelength, n—the wavelength of a spec-
incident flux, where the reflection is at all angles within the
trally pure light that when added to the light reflected or
hemisphere bounded by the plane of measurement except in
transmitted by the specimen will produce a combination that
the direction of the specular reflection angle. (1992)
color matches a reference achromatic (white) light.
conspicuity, n—the characteristics of an object that determine DISCUSSION—The size of the specular reflection angle depends on the
the likelihood that it will come to the attention of an instrument and the measurement conditions used. For its precise
observer. (1990) definition the make and model of the instrument or the aperture angle
or aperture solid angle of the specularly reflected beam should be
contrast gloss, n— see luster.
specified.
contrast, n—(1) objective, the degree of dissimilarity of a
measured quantity such as luminance of two areas, ex- diffuse reflectance factor, Rd, n—the ratio of the flux reflected
pressed as a number computed by a specified formula. at all angles within the hemisphere bounded by the plane of
measurement except in the direction of the specular reflec-
DISCUSSION—The following formulas for the luminance contrast
tion angle, to the flux reflected from the perfect reflecting
between areas having luminance L1, and L2(where L2 is the larger) have
been adopted by the CIE: diffuser under the same geometric and spectral conditions of
measurement. (1992)
L2 2 L 1 L 2 2 L1
Ca 5 L1 , Cb 5 ~L2 1 L1!/2, Cc 5 L 2/L1 (2) DISCUSSION—The size of the specular reflection angle depends on the
The following formulas are also in use: instrument and the measurement conditions used. For its precise
definition the make and model of the instrument or the aperature angle
L2 2 L 1 L2 2 L 1 or aperture solid angle of the specularly reflected beam should be
C d 5 L 2 2 L1, Ce 5 L2 , CM 5 L 2 1 L1 (3)
specified.
If the illumination of the areas of interest is uniform and constant, the
luminances are proportional to the reflectances (or transmittances) and diffuse reflection, n—reflection in which flux is scattered in
these quantities may be used in place of luminances in these formulas. The many directions by diffusion at or below the surface. See
simple ratio, Cc 5 L 2/L1, is usually used in ASTM standards. diffusion.
( 2) subjective, the degree of dissimilarity in appearance of diffuse transmission, n—transmission in which diffusion oc-
two parts of a field of view seen simultaneously or succes- curs, independently, on a macroscopic scale, of the laws of
sively. [CIE]B refraction. [CIE]A
diffuse transmittance, Td, n—the ratio of the flux transmitted
contrast ratio, n— see the preferred terms contrast or opacity. by a specimen to the incident flux, the transmitted flux being
correlated color temperature, n—of a source, the tempera- measured at all forward angles except the regular transmis-
ture, usually expressed in kelvins, of a full radiator that sion angle. (1992)
would emit light of the chromaticity most closely resembling
that of the light from the source. DISCUSSION—The size of the regular transmission angle depends on
the instrument and the measurement conditions used. For its precise
DISCUSSION—Correlated color temperature extends the concept of definition the make and model of the instrument or the aperture angle
color temperature to any source emitting light having a chromaticity or aperture solid angle of the regularly transmitted beam should be
nearly, though not exactly, the same as the chromaticity of the light specified.
emitted by a full radiator at some temperature.
diffuser, n—device used to alter the spatial distribution of flux
crazing, n—a network of apparent fine cracks on or beneath by diffusion. [CIE]B
the surface of materials such as in transparent plastics, diffusion, n—change of the angular distribution of a beam of
glazed ceramics, glass, or clear coatings. radiant flux by a transmitting material or a reflecting surface
daylight illuminant, n—illuminant having the same, or nearly such that flux incident in one direction is continuously
the same, relative spectral power distribution as a phase of distributed in many directions, the process not conforming
daylight. (1987) [CIE] A (on a macroscopic scale) to the laws of Fresnel (regular)
densitometer, n—instrument designed for measuring optical reflection and refraction and there being no change in
density of a photographic negative or positive or a printed frequency (wavelength) of the monochromatic components
image. (1987) [TAPPI] of the flux.
densitometry, n—technique for measurement of optical den- DIN color system, n—color order system developed for the
sity by use of a densitometer. (1988) Deutsche Industrie Normung (German Standardization Insti-
density, n—see reflectance density, reflection density, trans- tute) to provide equality of visual spacing of colors in

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specified series, based on the attributes hue, saturation, and entrance angle, b, n—in retroreflection, angle between the
relative darkness degree. (1988) illumination axis and the retroreflector axis. (1991a)
directional, adj—(1) so designed that performance depends on equal-energy illuminant, n—illuminant having the same
direction or is restricted in direction; more effective in some spectral power at all wavelengths in the specified spectral
directions than others. (1988a) region. (1987) [TAPPI]B
(2) referring to a beam, beam in which the flux measured is equal-energy source, n—a source having the same radiant
confined to directions that differ moderately from the centroid exitance in each constant wavelength interval in the spectral
direction or axis of the beam. (E 179) (1991b) region under consideration.
DISCUSSION—Moderately may be defined by specifying an appropri- excitation purity, pe, n—the ratio of the lengths of line
ate aperture angle. segments NC to ND, obtained when a straight line is drawn
on the CIE chromaticity diagram from the achromatic
directionality, n— (1) perceived, the degree to which the (neutral) point (N), through the point (C) representing the
appearance of a surface changes as the surface is rotated in color stimulus considered, to the intersection (D) with the
its own plane, under fixed conditions of illumination and spectrum locus or the straight boundary of nonspectral
viewing. (1988a) colors, as the case may be. [CIE] B
(2) measured—(scattering indicatrix, azimuthally exitance, M, n—flux leaving a surface per unit area. (1988)
nonisotropic)—difference in pattern of near-specular and se- face, adj—pertaining to viewing a specimen at an angle close
midiffusely scattered light, dependent upon the azimuthal to its surface normal.
angles of the incident and viewing beams. (1987) [CIE]A face angle, n—the aspecular angle when a specimen is viewed
director, n—optical components, such as mirrors, lenses, close to its surface normal and illuminated near 45°, or when
gratings, or other objects, such as ceilings or walls, that those angles of illumination and viewing are interchanged.
direct radiant flux from a source to a specimen to be face color, n—the color of a material when viewed at its face
observed or measured. angle.
DISCUSSION—A source and a director comprise an illuminator or
DISCUSSION—This term also applies when the illuminating and
irradiator. In a measuring instrument, the director may be called the
viewing angles are interchanged.
“influx optics.”
fading, n—a change in color, usually to a lighter and less-
distinctness-of-image gloss, n—aspect of gloss characterized
saturated color.
by the sharpness of images of objects produced by reflection
field, n—that portion of the surface of a specimen that is
at a surface.
illuminated by the illuminator or viewed by the receiver.
distinctness of (reflected) image—see distinctness-of-image
(1990)
gloss. (1989b)
distortion, n—optical, a defect in an image-forming system field stop, n—the physical diameter that limits the angular field
whereby the image is not the shape of an ideal image of the of view of an optical system. (1988) [OSA]A
object. For example, a straight pole, viewed through a flash, n—appearance of a material when viewed close to the
window having nonplanar surfaces, may appear to have angle at which it is lightest. (1995)
bends in it. (D 675)C flat, adj—(1) of a coating material, a material that is capable
distribution temperature, n—of a source, temperature, usu- of imparting a finish free of gloss. (1990)
ally expressed in kelvins, of the full radiator having a ( 2) of a surface finish, free of gloss. (1990)
relative spectral power distribution in the visible region flip—deprecated term, do not use. This term may have various
approximately the same as that of the source. meanings that are not clearly defined. (1995a)
documentary standard, n—document, arrived at by open flop, n—a difference in appearance of a material viewed over
consensus procedures, specifying necessary details of a two widely different aspecular angles. (1995)
method of measurement, definitions of terms, or other flop, adj—pertaining to the appearance of a material when
practical matters to be standardized. (Compare physical viewed from a direction far from the specular angle, typi-
standard.) cally 70° or more. (1995)
dominant wavelength, n—the wavelength of a spectrally pure flop angle, n—the aspecular angle when a material is viewed
light that, when added to a reference achromatic (white) from a direction far from the specular, typically 70° or more.
light, will produce a combination that matches the color of a (1995)
specimen light. flop color, n—color of a material when viewed from a
efflorescence, n—a powdery (usually white) exudation on the specified direction far from the specular angle, typically 70°
surface of a specimen caused by precipitation or crystalliza- or more. (1995)
tion of soluble material that has migrated to the surface. flop contrast, n—a measure of the degree of dissimilarity in
(D 1736)B appearance of a specimen when it is viewed at two widely
eggshell, adj—semimatte, having a texture resembling that of different aspecular angles.
the outer surface of the shell of a chicken egg. (1990) flop index, n—a numerical scale of flop obtained by visual
(D 286, C 242) C experiments. (1995)
electroluminescence, n—luminescence resulting from electri- fluorescence, n—photoluminescence that ceases when excita-
cal excitation. (See also luminescence.) tion ceases.

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DISCUSSION—The time delay between absorption and emission of geometric metamerism, n—deprecated term; do not use. The
generally less than 10 nsec associated with fluorescence distinguishes it phenomenon it is used to describe does not conform to the
from phosphorescence with its generally longer time delay. See internationally accepted definitions of metamerism. Use
photoluminescence and phosphorescence.
gonioappearance.
fluorescent, adj— (1) exhibiting fluorescence. glare, n—condition of vision in which there is discomfort or a
(2) of a source, having a primary radiant flux emitter that reduction in ability to see details, objects, or both, caused by
excites fluorescence in a phosphor to produce light. an unsuitable distribution or range of luminance, or by
DISCUSSION—The primary emitter is usually a mercury glow- extreme contrasts in space. (1988) [CIE] B
discharge and the spectral lines typical of this emitter are usually glitter, n—the appearance attributable to brilliant reflection
observed as components of the spectrum of such a source. from many small, discrete reflecting elements.
fluorescent brightener, n—discouraged term for fluorescent gloss, n—angular selectivity of reflectance, involving surface-
whitening agent. reflected light, responsible for the degree to which reflected
fluorescent illuminant, n—illuminant representing the spec- highlights or images of objects may be seen as superimposed
tral distribution of the radiation from a specified type of on a surface. (See also distinctness-of-image gloss, haze (in
fluorescent lamp. (1988) reflection), luster, sheen, specular gloss.)
fluorescent whitening agent, FWA, n—fluorescent dye or gloss reflectance factor, R S, n—ratio of the specularly
pigment that absorbs near-ultraviolet radiant flux and re- reflected part of the (whole) flux reflected from the specimen
emits the power as visible light (violet-blue), thereby caus- to the flux reflected from a specified gloss standard under the
ing a whiter appearance when added to a yellowish-white same geometric and spectral conditions of measurement.
material. (1990)
flux—see radiant flux, luminous flux. DISCUSSION—The gloss standard may be a black glass or a mirror, and
FMC-2 color difference, n—color difference calculated by use may be assigned one of a variety of scale values as specified.
of the Friele-MacAdam-Chickering, Version 2, equations gloss retention, n—portion of original gloss retained by a
based on the MacAdam chromaticity-difference- specimen after treatment such as aging or abrasion under
perceptibility ellipses and the Munsell value function. (1988) specified conditions, calculated by a specified equation.
DISCUSSION—The equations do not directly incorporate opponent- (1988)
color terms, and their separation into red-green, yellow-blue, and gonioapparent, adj—pertaining to change in apperance with
lightness terms is at best a poor approximation. change in illumination angle or viewing angle.
footcandle, n—unit of illuminance equal to one lumen per gonioappearance, n—the phenomenon in which the appear-
square foot. ance of a specimen changes with change in illumination or
viewing angle.
DISCUSSION—The preferred unit of illuminance is the SI unit lux (one
lumen per square metre). DISCUSSION—Examples of gonioappearance are specimens of coat-
ings containing flake pigments.
fractional reflectance, Rf, n—the ratio of the flux reflected
from a specimen in a specified solid angle to that incident on goniochromatic match, n—match between a pair of speci-
the specimen. (1991b) mens that holds under all sets of angular illuminating-
fractional transmittance, T f, n—the ratio of the flux trans- viewing conditions. (1995)
mitted through a specimen in a specified solid angle to the DISCUSSION—The specimens may or may not exhibit goniochroma-
incident flux. (1991b) (E 167) tism and may or may not exhibit metamerism.
Fresnel reflection, n—the process by which radiant flux is
reflected from an optically smooth interface between two goniochromatism, n—change in any or all attributes of color
dielectric media. of a specimen on change in angular illuminating-viewing
conditions but without change in light source or observer.
DISCUSSION—The reflectance depends on the angle of incidence, the (1995)
ratio of refractive indexes of the two media, and the state of polariza-
tion of the incident beam relative to the normal to the interface. DISCUSSION—Changes associated with first-surface specular reflec-
tion are not understood to lead to goniochromatism.
full radiator, n—a thermal radiator that completely absorbs all
incident radiant flux, whatever the wavelength, direction of goniometer, n—an instrument for measuring or setting angles.
incidence, or polarization. (1991a) (E 809)
goniophotometer, n—instrument that measures flux as a
DISCUSSION—This radiator has, for any wavelength, the maximum function of angles of illumination or observation. (1990)
spectral concentration of radiant exitance at a given temperature.
goniospectrophotometer, n—spectrophotometer having the
[CIE]B
capability of measuring with a variety of illuminating and
Gardner color scale, n—a color scale for clear, light-yellow viewing angles using bidirectional geometry; also known as
fluids, defined by the chromaticities of glass standards multi-angle spectrophotometer. (1995)
numbered from 1 for the lightest to 18 for the darkest. halation, n—(1) the apparent increase in size of a primary or
(D 1544)B secondary light source due to scattering of light toward the
general indices of metamerism, n—see indices of metamerism observer, the surround being significantly darker than the
potential. (1991b) light source. (1995a)

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( 2) in retroreflection, the apparent increase in size of a illuminant mode, n—color seen as ascribed to a source of
retroreflector, viewed by directional illumination (for example, illumination. (1990)
automobile headlights) in a dark surround. (1995a) illuminator, n—the portion of a radiometric or photometric
haze, n—in reflection, (1) scattering of light at the glossy instrument that provides the illuminating beam on the
surface of a specimen responsible for the apparent reduction specimen, including the source, occasionally the monochro-
in contrast of objects viewed by reflection at the surface. mator or spectral filters, a diffuser such as an integrating
( 2) percent of reflected light scattered by a specimen having sphere, if used, and associated optics. (1991)
a glossy surface so that its direction deviates more than a illuminator plane, n—the plane containing the specimen
specified angle from the direction of specular reflection. (3) normal and the axis of the illuminator. (1995)
cloudy appearance attributable to light scattering. incandescence, n—the self-emission of radiant energy in the
haze, n—in transmission, (1) the scattering of light by a visible spectrum due to the thermal excitation of atoms or
specimen responsible for the apparent reduction in contrast molecules. (1988) [IES]
of objects viewed through it. incandescent illuminant, n—illuminant representing the spec-
tral distribution of radiation from an incandescent lamp of
(2) the percent of transmitted light that is scattered so that its
specified color temperature. (1988)
direction deviates more than a specified angle from the
index of refraction, n—the numerical expression of the ratio
direction of the incident beam. (D 883, D 1003)C
of the velocity of light in a vacuum to the velocity of light in
Hazen color, n— see platinum-cobalt color scale.
a substance, at a specified wavelength. (1988a) (D 1245)B
hemispherical, adj— see hemispherical optical measuring indices of metamerism potential, n— indices indicating the
system. (1991) degree to which two metameric specimens may develop
hemispherical optical measuring system, n—an optical mea- metamerism, derived solely from their different spectral
suring system for measuring the reflecting or transmitting characteristics. (1991b)
properties of specimens, wherein either the specimen is
uniformly irradiated from all directions within the hemi- DISCUSSION—Such indices, sometimes misnamed general indices of
metamerism, provide no information about the specimens under any
sphere on one side of the specimen or the flux emanating conditions of mismatch.
from the specimen is evaluated uniformly for all directions
within a hemisphere. infinite thickness, n—term applied to a layer of material so
hiding power, n—( 1) the ability of a coating material to hide thick that increasing its thickness does not change its
the surface coated by producing a specified opacity. reflectance or other optical properties. (1987) [TAPPI]B
( 2) the area over which a specified volume of paint can be infrared, adj—referring to radiant flux having wavelengths
spread to produce a specified contrast, C c, between areas longer than the wavelengths of light, usually wavelengths
where the substrate is black and where it is white. (D 2805) from about 780 nm to about 1 mm. (1991b)
B integrating sphere, n—an optical device used either to collect
hue, n—the attribute of color perception by means of which a flux reflected or transmitted from a specimen into a hemi-
color is judged to be red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, sphere or to provide isotropic irradiation of a specimen from
or intermediate between adjacent pairs of these, considered a complete hemisphere, consisting of an approximately
in a closed ring (red and purple being an adjacent pair.) (See spherical cavity with apertures (ports) for admitting and
also Munsell hue.) (D 1535, D 1729)B detecting flux, and usually having additional apertures over
which sample and reference specimens are placed and for
Hunter color difference, n—color difference calculated by the
including or excluding the specularly reflected components.
use of the Hunter equations, based on the opponent-color
(1988) (E 903)B
coordinates, L, a, b, applied to CIE 1931 tristimulus values
intensity, I v, Ie, n—flux per unit solid angle. (See also
for CIE standard illuminant C, and by extension to the CIE
luminous intensity, radiant intensity.) (1990)
1964 standard observer and other CIE standard illuminants.
interference filter, n—filter constructed of extremely thin
(1988)
alternate layers of high and low refractive-index material and
hygrochromic, adj—known to change color when the mois- capable of transmitting narrow spectral bands formed by
ture content or relative humidity varies. constructive interference within the desired waveband and
ICI, n—trademarked abbreviation for Imperial Chemical In- destructive interference at other wavelengths. (1987)
dustries. Do not use as the abbreviation for International
Commission on Illumination; see CIE. (1988) DISCUSSION—Filters of this type reflect rather than absorb flux not
illuminance, E, E v, n—luminous flux incident per unit of area. transmitted. [TAPPI]
illuminant, n—radiant flux that may be specified by its internal absorptance, ai, n—ratio of the absorbed radiant or
spectral power distribution, and that can, in illuminating luminous flux to the flux that has entered the first surface of
objects, affect their perceived colors. the layer of material. [CIE] C
illuminant metamerism, n—the property of specimens having internal transmittance, ti, n—the ratio of flux reaching the
different spectral characteristics and having the same color exit surface of a specimen to the flux that penetrates the entry
when viewed by a normal observer under a given illuminant, surface.
but different colors when viewed under a different illumi- irradiance, E, E e, n—the radiant flux incident per unit area.
nant, other conditions remaining the same. (1991b) ISCC-NBS color name, n—two- to four-word descriptive

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phrase for a surface color, such as 88vivid orange” or“ dark white. (D 1535, D 1729) B
grayish reddish brown,” defined by sections of the Munsell (D 16)B
color solid. Developed cooperatively by the Inter-Society line reflector, n—reflector in the form of a line, the width of
Color Council and the National Bureau of Standards. (1987) which subtends a very small solid angle at the observer’s
[TAPPI] eye, so that the observer cannot readily distinguish its width.
isotropic diffuser— see Lambertian diffuser. (1988)
just noticeable difference, n—see just perceptible difference. Lovibond color system, n—a system of color specification
just-perceptible difference, n—color difference that is just based on the optical densities of yellow, red, and blue filter
large enough to be perceived in almost every trial. (1987) glasses required to modify light from a standard source to
[TAPPI] obtain light matching some given light.
Kubelka-Munk absorption coefficient, K, n—for a thin layer Lovibond tintometer, n—instrument for evaluating the colors
within an isotropic absorbing and scattering material over a of materials by visual comparison with the colors of glasses
black backing, the limit as the layer thickness approaches of the Lovibond color system. (1987) [TAPPI]
zero of the fraction of the incident radiation absorbed by the lumen, lm, n— luminous flux emitted within one steradian by
layer, divided by its thickness. (1988) a point source having a spatially uniform luminous intensity
Kubelka-Munk scattering coefficient, S, n—for a thin layer of 1 candela. SI unit of luminous flux.
within an isotropic scattering and absorbing material over a luminance, L, L v, n—luminous flux in a beam, emanating
black backing, the limit as the layer thickness approaches from a surface, or falling on a surface, in a given direction,
zero of the fraction of the incident radiation scattered per unit of projected area of the surface as viewed from that
(reflected) by the layer, divided by its thickness. (1988) direction, per unit solid angle.
Kubelka-Munk theory, n—phenomenological turbid-medium luminance factor, Y, n—ratio of the luminance of a specimen
theory relating the reflectance and transmittance of scatter- to that of a perfect diffuser, when illuminated and viewed
ing and absorbing materials to optical constants (Kubelka- under specified geometric conditions.
Munk absorption coeffıcient, Kubelka-Munk scattering coef- DISCUSSION—In the CIE 1931 system, this quantity is tristimulus
ficient) and the concentrations of their colorants. (1988) value Y. (1991a) For fluorescent media, the luminance factor is the sum
of two quantities, the reflection luminance factor YS and the fluores-
DISCUSSION—The basis of virtually all computer-color-matching cence luminance factor YF:
calculations.
Y 5 Y S 1 YF (4)
Lambert’s law, n—the intensity (flux per unit solid angle)
emitted in any direction from a surface varies as the cosine luminescence, n—emission of light ascribable to nonthermal
of the angle between the normal to the surface and the excitation. (See also electroluminescence, chemical lumi-
direction of the emitted flux (also called Lambert’s cosine nescence, and photoluminescence.)
law). See Lambertian diffuser. (1988) (E 491)B luminosity function, n—see spectral luminous efficiency func-
tion.
Lambert’s (thickness) law, n—see Bouguer’s law.
luminous, adj—weighted according to the spectral luminous
Lambertian diffuser, n—ideal surface that reflects or trans-
efficiency function V (l) of the CIE. (1987) [TAPPI] B
mits radiation completely in accordance with Lambert’s
luminous efficacy, KM, n—quotient of total luminous flux
cosine law. When illuminated from any direction, its radi-
divided by total radiant flux; lumens per watt. KM 5 683
ance is the same for every direction of view. (1990)B
lm/W. (1988)
[TAPPI]
luminous flux, f, fv—the time rate of flow of light energy;
light, n—(1) electromagnetic radiant power that is visually luminous power.
detectable by the normal human observer, radiant power luminous intensity, I, Iv, n— the light flux per unit solid angle.
having wavelengths from about 380 nm to about 780 nm. luster, n—the appearance characteristic of a surface that
(1995) reflects more in some directions than it does in other
(2) radiant power evaluated with respect to wavelength directions, but not of such high gloss as to form clear mirror
according to the CIE spectral luminous efficiency function. images. (1995) (D 123)C
(1995) lux, lx, n— illuminance corresponding to a luminous flux
light, adj—referring to the color of a non-self-luminous body, density of one lumen per square metre. SI unit of illumi-
having a high luminous reflectance factor, as “light green” or nance. [CIE] A
“light gray.” MacAdam color difference, n—nonspecific term for color
lightfastness, n—the ability of a material to withstand color difference calculated by using one of several equations and
change on exposure to light. methods based on MacAdam’s color-difference-
lightfastness standards, n—See AATCC blue wool lightfast- perceptibility ellipses or ellipsoids. (1988)
ness standards.
DISCUSSION—The exact method of calculation must be specified; for
lightness, n—(1) the attribute of color perception by which a
example, see FMC-2 color difference.
non-self-luminous body is judged to reflect more or less
light. MacAdam limits, n— see optimal colors.
(2) the attribute by which a perceived color is judged to be masstone, n—in paint technology, a pigment-vehicle mixture
equivalent to one of a series of grays ranging from black to containing a single colorant only. (1988a)

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DISCUSSION—At times colorants are developed that contain more than scale that is larger than the colorant particles, typically 1 to
one pigment, but that are tested and used as if they contained only a 10 mm.
single pigment. This definition is meant to include such colorants.
Munsell Book of Color, n—current Munsell Color Company
match, n—see color match. (1991) physical exemplification of the Munsell color order system,
match, v—to provide, by selection, formulation, adjustment, consisting of about 1600 color chips arranged in a cylindrical
or other means, a trial color that is indistinguishable from, or coordinate system of planes of constant Munsell hue on
within specified tolerances of, a specified standard color which Munsell value is displayed vertically and Munsell
under specified conditions. (1991) chroma horizontally. (1988)
matte, n—lacking luster or gloss. Synonymous with “flat” in Munsell chroma, n—an attribute of color used in the Munsell
paint terminology. color system to indicate the degree of departure of a color
memory color, n—color of an object that, according to the from a gray of the same Munsell value, in steps that are
judgment of the observer, would match the color of another visually approximately equal in magnitude. (D 1535)B
object previously seen by that observer. (1987) [TAPPI] Munsell color system, n—a system of specifying colors of
mesopic, adj—pertaining to vision at intermediate levels of surfaces illuminated by daylight and viewed by an observer
illumination, at which both retinal cones and retinal rods are adapted to daylight, in terms of three attributes: hue, value,
stimulated. (1988) and chroma, using scales that are perceptually approximately
metallic, adj—pertaining to the appearance of a gonioapparent uniform. (D 16)B
material containing metal flakes. Munsell hue, n—an attribute of color used in the Munsell
metal-like, adj—pertaining to the appearance of a bare metal. color system to indicate the hue of a specimen viewed in
metameric, adj—( 1) pertaining to spectrally different objects daylight. (D 1535) B
or color stimuli that have the same tristimulus values. (1988) Munsell notation, n—( 1) the Munsell hue, value, and chroma
(2) pertaining to objects, having different spectrophotometric assigned to the color of a specimen by visually comparing
curves, that match when illuminated by at least one specific the specimen to the chips in the Munsell Book of Color.
spectral composition and observed by a specific observer. (See (2) a notation in the Munsell color system, derived from
also parameric.) (1988) [CIE]B[TAPPI]B luminous reflectance Y and Chromaticity Coordinates x and y
metamerism, n—property of two specimens that match under in the 1931 CIE system for Standard Illuminant C, by the use
a specified illuminator and to a specified observer and whose of scales defined by the Optical Society of America Subcom-
spectral reflectances or transmittances differ in the visible mittee on the Spacing of the Munsell Colors. (1988)
wavelengths. See also illuminant metamerism, observer (D 1535)B
metamerism, paramerism. (1991b) Munsell value, n—an attribute of color used in the Munsell
color system to indicate the lightness of a specimen viewed
DISCUSSION—As a consequence of the required difference, the two in daylight, on a scale extending from 0 for ideal black to 10
specimens may not match under a different illuminator or to a different for ideal white, in steps that are visually approximately equal
observer. Similar considerations apply to two lights matching to a
specified observer but not to other observers.
in magnitude. (D 1535)B
Natural Color System, n—color order system based on
metamerism indices, n— see special indices of metamerism, resemblances of colors to up to four of six “elementary”
indices of metamerism potential. (1991b) colors red, yellow, green, blue, black, and white, in which
metamers, n—(1) spectrally different objects or color stimuli the attributes of the colors are hue, chromaticness, and
that have the same tristimulus values. (1988) blackness. (1988)
(2) specimens differing in spectral reflectance but having NBS color difference, n—color difference calculated by use of
colors that match in light of one spectral composition, when the Judd-Hunter National Bureau of Standards equations,
viewed by one observer, but may not match in light of other which are unique in including terms taking account of ( 1)
spectral compositions, or when viewed by another observer. the masking effect of gloss on the detection of color
See also paramers. [CIE]B (D 16)B differences and (2) the relative importance of chromaticness
mixed reflection, n—partly specular and partly diffuse reflec- and lightness in a particular viewing arrangement, such as
tion. (1988) [CIE] B variation in the separation between the two specimens
mixed transmission, n—a combination of diffuse and regular compared. (1988)
transmission. near-specular, adj—pertaining to the appearance of a material
modes, n—of appearance, various manners in which colors when viewed from a direction close to the specular angle,
can be perceived (see also aperture mode, illuminant typically within 25°. (1995)
mode, object mode.) near-specular angle, n—the aspecular angle when a material
monochromatic, adj—characterized by a single wavelength is viewed close to the specular direction, typically within
or, by extension, by a small range of wavelengths that can be 25°. (1995)
described by stating a single wavelength. (1988) (E 349)B near-specular color, n—color of a material when viewed at a
monochromator, n—a device for isolating monochromatic specified near-specular angle. (1995)
radiation from a beam of radiation including a broad range of neutral, adj—achromatic or without hue. (1987) [TAPPI]B
wavelengths. (1988) (E 135) B nonchromatic, adj— see achromatic.
mottle, n—a spotty nonuniformity of color appearance on a nuance, n—a two-dimensional attribute that distinguishes

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among colors having the same hue. (1990). parameric, adj—pertaining to specimens having different
object mode, n—color seen as ascribed to an object. spectrophotometric curves that produce approximately the
observation angle, n—angle between the axes of the incident same color sensation under the same illuminating and
beam and the observed (reflected) beam, (in retroreflection, viewing conditions. (See also metameric.) (1989b)
a, angle between the illumination axis and the observation paramerism, n—phenomenon in which specimens having
axis). (1991a) different spectrophotometric curves produce approximately
observer metamerism, n—the property of specimens having the same color sensation under the same illuminating and
different spectral characteristics and having the same color viewing conditions. (See also metamerism.) (1989b)
when viewed by one observer, but different colors when paramers, n—specimens having different spectrophotometric
viewed by a different observer under the same conditions. curves that produce approximately the same color sensation
opacity, n—(1) optical, the ability of a specimen to prevent the under the same illuminating and viewing conditions. (See
transmission of light; the reciprocal of the transmittance also metamers.) (1989b)
factor. pearlescent, adj—exhibiting various colors depending on the
(2) paper backing, the ability of a sheet of paper to hide a angles of illumination and viewing, as observed in mother-
surface behind and in contact with it, expressed as the ratio of of-pearl. (1995a)
the reflectance factor Rbwhen the sheet is backed by a black percept, n—the result of the process of perception. (1995)
surface to the reflectance factor R` when it is backed by a pile perception, n—See visual perception. (1995)
of sheets of the same kind, and of such number that further perfect reflecting diffuser—ideal reflecting surface that nei-
addition of sheets does not affect the measured opacity. ther absorbs nor transmits light, but reflects diffusely, with
( 3) white backing, the ability of a thin film or sheet of the radiance of the reflecting surface being the same for all
material, such as paint or paper, to hide a surface behind and in reflecting angles, regardless of the angular distribution of the
contact with it, expressed as the ratio of the reflectance factor incident light. (1990)
Rb when the material is backed by a black surface to the perfect transmitting diffuser, n— ideal transmitting specimen
reflectance factor R w when it is backed by a white surface that neither absorbs nor reflects light, but transmits diffusely,
(usually having a reflectance factor of 0.89). (D 16)B with the radiance of the specimen being the same for all
[ISO] [TAPPI]B
B transmitting angles, regardless of the angular distribution of
opacity (printing), n— See opacity (2) paper backing. the incident light. (1990)
opaque, adj—transmitting no optical radiation. (1990) petroleum color scale, n—a color scale for petroleum prod-
opponent-color scales, n—scales that denote one color by ucts, defined by 16 glass standards of specified luminous
positive scale values, the neutral axis by zero value, and an transmittance and chromaticity, graduated in steps of 0.5
approximately complementary color by negative scale val- from 0.5 for the lightest color to 8.0 for the darkest.
ues. Common examples include scales that are positive in (D 1500)B
the red direction and negative in the green direction (CIE a*, phosphorescence, n—photoluminescence that continues after
Hunter a) and scales that are positive in the yellow direction excitation ceases.
and negative in the blue direction (CIE b*, Hunter b). (1988) DISCUSSION—Phosphorescence is distinguished from fluorescence by
optical brightener, n—discouraged term for fluorescent whit- a time delay generally greater than 10 nsec. See photoluminescence
ening agent. and fluorescence.
optical density, n— see reflectance density, reflection density, photocell, photodetector, photodiode, phototube, n—See detec-
transmission density, transmittance density. tor.
optimal colors, n—object colors having the maximum pos- photochromism, n—a reversible change in color of a speci-
sible luminance factor for each chromaticity. (1988) men due to exposure to light (or other radiant flux) without
orange peel, n—the appearance of irregularity of a surface appreciable heating of the specimen.
resembling the skin of an orange. (C 286, C 242, D 883)B photoluminescence, n—luminescence produced by the ab-
OSA-UCS color system, n—Optical Society of America sorption of radiant flux; distinguished from ordinary reflec-
Uniform Color Scales color order system based on equality tion by a time delay and, usually, a shift toward longer
of visual spacing, which uses the opponent-color scales 6 L wavelengths. See fluorescence and phosphorescence.
(lightness), 6j (yellowness-blueness), and 6g (greenness- photometer, n—an instrument for measuring light.
redness). (1988) photometric, adj—pertaining to measurement of quantities in
OSA-UCS samples, n—current Optical Society of America which radiation is evaluated according to the spectral lumi-
physical exemplification of the OSA-UCS color system, nous efficiency function V (l). (1990)
consisting of about 550 samples displayed on a face-
DISCUSSION—While this definition is basic, the root word is widely
centered-cubic lattice such that each interior sample has 12 used loosely to mean pertaining to radiant quantities, as in spectro-
nearest neighbors at equal intervals from it. (1988)
photometric and related terms. [CIE]C
Ostwald color system, n—color order system in which colors
are specified in terms of the attributes hue, blackness, and photometry, n—the measurement of quantities associated with
whiteness, and are spaced according to the results of light, that is, radiation evaluated according to its visual
spinning-disk mixing of specified amounts of ideal black, effect, by weighting with the CIE spectral luminous effi-
white, and maximally chromatic samples. (1988) ciency function V (l). (1988) (E 349)B

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photopic, adj—( 1) pertaining to vision at sufficiently high sion, and similar effects that modify the flux in a beam.
levels of illumination that only the retinal cones are stimu- (1988)
lated. (1988) psychophysics, n—the study of the functions relating the
(2) pertaining to detectors with spectral responsivity physical measurements of stimuli and the sensations and
weighted according to the CIE spectral luminous efficiency perceptions the stimuli evoke.
function V (l). (1988) purity, n—See colorimetric purity, excitation purity.
physical standard, n—stable specimen having a value of a radiance, L, Le, n—radiant flux in a beam, emanating from a
physical quantity assigned by accurate measurements under surface, or falling on a surface, in a given direction, per unit
specified conditions, usually in a standards laboratory. of projected area of the surface as viewed from that
Planckian locus, n—locus in a chromaticity diagram that direction, per unit of solid angle.
represents the chromaticities of the radiation of Planckian radiance factor, b, be, n—ratio of the radiance from a point on
radiators at different temperatures. (1987) [CIE] A a specimen, in a given direction, to that from the perfect
Planckian radiator, n— See full radiator. reflecting or transmitting diffuser, similarly irradiated and
plane, adj—having a flat, smooth surface with no significant viewed. (1988)
variations such as elevations or depressions. (1993)
DISCUSSION—For fluorescent media, the radiance factor is the sum of
platinum-cobalt color scale, n—a color scale for clear, two quantities, the reflection radiance factor b S and the fluorescence
light-yellow liquids, defined by specified dilutions of a radiance factor b F: be 5 b S + bF. [CIE Publication 17.4, 1987.]
platinum-cobalt stock solution, ranging from 5 for the
lightest color to 500 for the darkest. radiant, adj—pertaining to electromagnetic radiation, with the
contributions at all wavelengths weighted equally. (1988)
DISCUSSION—(The scale has been extended to 2000 for some pur-
radiant energy, n—energy transmitted as electromagnetic
poses.) (D 1209, D 1686, D 365)B
radiation. (E 135)
point reflector, n—reflector subtending a very small solid radiant exposure, n—time integral of the irradiance at a given
angle at the observer’s eye, so that the observer cannot point over a specified time interval. (1989b) [CIE]B
readily distinguish its size or shape. (1988) radiant flux, F, n—the time rate of flow of radiant energy;
port, n—an opening or aperture in an integrating sphere. radiant power.
(1988) radiant intensity, I, I e, n—the radiant flux per unit solid angle.
precision, n—the closeness of agreement between test results radiometric, adj—pertaining to measurement of quantities
obtained under prescribed conditions. See also repeatabil- associated with radiant energy. (1990) [CIE]C
ity, reproducibility. (1993) radiometry, n—measurement of quantities associated with
radiation. (1988) (E 349)
DISCUSSION—Precision is the random component of accuracy.
receiver, n—the portion of a photometric instrument that
primary color stimuli, n—three selected colored lights used receives the viewing beam from the specimen, including a
to specify the color of any light presented by the amounts of collector such as an integrating sphere, if used, often the
the three that must be mixed additively to produce light monochromator or spectral filters, the detector, and associ-
matching the light presented. ated optics and electronics. (1988a)
DISCUSSION—Any three colored lights may serve as primaries pro- receiver plane, n—the plane containing the specimen normal
vided no one of them can be matched by a mixture of the other two. To and the axis of the receiver. (1995)
achieve the maximum gamut of colors by additive mixture, saturated receptor, n—see receiver.
red, green, and blue primaries are commonly used. reference standard, n—a physical standard used to calibrate a
primary colorants, n—a small number of colorants (dyes or group of laboratory standards.
pigments) that may be mixed subtractively to produce a large reflectance, r, n—ratio of the reflected radiant or luminous
gamut of colors. flux to the incident flux in the given conditions. (1989b)
DISCUSSION—The most common primary colorants are yellow, ma- DISCUSSION—The term reflectance is often used in a general sense or
genta (purplish red), and cyan (greenish blue) in color. as an abbreviation for reflectance factor. Such usage may be assumed
unless the above definition is specifically required by the context.
primary light source, n—surface of an object emitting light A

produced by a transformation of energy. (1987) [CIE]A [CIE]

primary standard, n—a physical standard calibrated by an reflectance density, Dr, n—the negative logarithm to base ten
absolute method. of the reflectance. [ANSI PH2.36]A
DISCUSSION—An absolute method of measurement is a method in reflectance factor, n—ratio of the flux reflected from the
which the magnitude of a physical quantity is derived, in a simple way, specimen to the flux reflected from the perfect reflecting
from measurements of length, mass, time, or other basic physical diffuser under the same geometric and spectral conditions of
quantities and from the constants in the accepted theoretical relation- measurement. (1988) [CIE]B
ships among the quantities involved. reflection, n—of radiant energy, the process by which radiant
product standard, n—material having a color designated as energy is returned from a material or object. See also diffuse
standard for a specified product. (1990) reflection, mixed reflection, specular reflection.
propagance, n—ratio of propagated flux to incident flux; a reflection density, D R, n—the negative logarithm to base ten
general term that includes the results of reflection, transmis- of the reflectance factor. [ANSI PH2.36]A

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reflectivity, r ` , R `—the reflectance of a material represented retroreflectivity, n—property of a material or device in which,
by a specimen so thick that further increase in thickness does when directionally irradiated, the reflected rays are prefer-
not significantly change the reflectance. (1987) entially returned in directions close to the opposite of the
reflectometer, n—instrument for the measurement of quanti- direction of the incident rays, this property being maintained
ties pertaining to reflection. (1988) (E 349) over wide variations in the direction of the incident rays.
reflectometry, n—technique for measurement of reflectance or (1993)
reflectance factor. (1987) [TAPPI] retroreflector, n—a reflecting surface or device from which,
reflector, n— See area reflector, line reflector, point reflector. when directionally irradiated, the reflected rays are prefer-
refraction, n—change in the direction of propagation of entially returned in directions close to the opposite of the
radiation determined by change in the velocity of propaga- direction of the incident rays, this property being maintained
tion in passing from one medium to another. (1988) over wide variations of the direction of the incident rays.
(E 349) (1990) [CIE, 1982]B
regular, adj—denoting flux reflected or transmitted without retroreflector axis, n—a designated line segment from the
diffusion in accordance with the laws of optics. (1988) retroreflector center that is used to describe the angular
DISCUSSION—The adjective specular is usually restricted to regular
position of the retroreflector. (1988) (E 808)
reflection at the specular angle. retroreflector center, n—a point on or near a retroreflector
that is designated to be the center of the device for the
regular reflection, n— see the preferred term, specular reflec- purpose of specifying its performance. (1988) (E 808)
tion. rotation angle, e, n—angle indicating the orientation of the
regular transmission, n—transmission without diffusion. specimen when it is rotated about a selected axis fixed in it
[CIE] A (for plane specimens, usually the specimen normal); in
regular transmittance, tr, n—ratio of undiffused transmitted retroreflection, angle indicating orientation after rotation
flux to incident flux. about the retroreflector axis. (1990) (E 808)
regular transmittance factor, Tr, n—the ratio of the flux sample, n—a small part or portion of a material or product
transmitted by a specimen and evaluated by a receiver to the intended to be representative of the whole.
flux passing through the same optical system and evaluated saturation, s, n—(1) in the CIE 1976 L*, u*, v* system, the
by the receiver when the specimen is removed from the quotient of the CIE 1976 u, v, chroma C*uv by the CIE 1976
system. lightness L*, s 5 C* uv/L*. (1990)
DISCUSSION—In some cases, this quantity is practically identical to (2) attribute of a visual sensation that permits a judgment to
the transmittance, but it may differ considerably. It exceeds unity if the be made of the proportion of pure chromatic color in the total
system is such that the specimen causes more light to reach the receiver sensation. (See also chroma ( 3).) (1990) [CIE, 1970] A
than would in its absence. Saunderson correction, n—mathematical expression relating,
related color, n—color perceived to belong to an area seen in in turbid medium theory, the fluxes on opposite sides of a
relation to other colors. (1991b) [CIE, 1987]A boundary at which there is a change in refractive index.
repeatability, n—the closeness of agreement between the (1991b)
results of successive measurements of the same test speci- DISCUSSION—Used in computer color matching calculations.
men, or of test specimens taken at random from a homoge-
neous supply, carried out on a single laboratory, by the same Saybolt color, n—an empirical definition of the color of a clear
method of measurement, operator, and measuring instru- petroleum liquid based on a scale of −16 (darkest) to +30
ment, with repetition over a specified period of time. See (lightest).
also reproducibility. (1993) DISCUSSION—The number is derived by finding the height of a
column of liquid sample which is visually just lighter than the
DISCUSSION—With specification of the time periods involved, this
appropriate one of three glass standards and referring to Table 1 of
definition is applicable to both short-term and long-term repeatability.
ASTM D 156, Test Method for Saybolt Color of Petroleum Products
(1994)
(Saybolt Chromometer Method).3
reproducibility, n—the closeness of agreement between the
scale, n—a defined arrangement of the elements of a set of
results of successive measurements of the same test speci-
stimuli or responses.
men, or of test specimens taken at random from a homoge-
scale, v—to assess the content of one or more appearance
neous supply, but changing conditions such as operator,
attributes in the members of a set of stimuli.
measuring instrument, laboratory, or time. The changes in
scattering, n—the process by which light or other electromag-
conditions must be specified. See also repeatability. (1993)
netic radiant flux passing through matter is redirected over a
responsivity, s, n—quotient of the output of a detector Y by its
range of angles.
input X: s 5 Y/X. (See also spectral responsivity.) (1990)
scattering tinting strength, n—relative change in the scatter-
[CIE]B
ing properties of a standard black material (with no scatter-
retroreflection, n—reflection in which the reflected rays are
ing colorant present) when a specified amount of a white or
preferentially returned in directions close to the opposite of
chromatic scattering colorant is added to it. (1988a)
the direction of the incident rays, this property being
maintained over wide variations of the direction of the
incident rays. (1990) [CIE, 1982]B 3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01.

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DISCUSSION—See the Discussion to masstone. spectral bandwidth, Dl, n—the wavelength interval, Dl, of
scotopic, adj—pertaining to vision at sufficiently low levels of radiant energy leaving the exit slit of a monochromator
illumination that only the retinal rods are stimulated. (1988) measured at half the peak detected power. (1990) (E 131)
B
secondary light source, n—surface or object that is not
self-emitting but receives light and re-directs it, at least in spectral characteristic, n—the reflectance, reflectance factor,
part, by reflection or transmission. (1987) [CIE]A transmittance, or transmittance factor as a function of
shade, n—(1) a color produced by a dye or pigment mixture wavelength, used to characterize a specimen.
including black dye or pigment. See also shade, v; tint, n; spectral luminous efficiency function, V (l), n—the relative
tint, v. effectiveness of radiant power to stimulate the perception of
(2) an expression of color difference from a reference light by the normal human observer, as a function of
dyeing such that another dye must be added to produce a wavelength: the function adopted as standard by the CIE.
match. spectral power distribution, SPD, S(l), n—specification of
(3) a color slightly different from a reference color. an illuminant by the spectral composition of a radiometric
quantity, such as radiance or radiant flux, as a function of
DISCUSSION—“Shade” is the most overworked of the terms used to
wavelength.
describe colors and color differences in terms of colorant technology,
sometimes even being used as a general synonym for “color.” DISCUSSION—Compare with color stimulus function. Unlike a color
stimulus function, a spectral power distribution may include invisible
shade, v—to adjust the color of a test specimen to be a closer
flux that interacts with an object to produce visible flux or otherwise
color match to the standard. See also shade, n; tint, v; tint, influence its appearance.
n. (1990)
shade sorting, n—process of grouping together, often by spectral responsivity, s(l), n—of a detector, quotient of the
instrumental measurement, similarly colored materials so detector output by the monochromatic input as a function of
that the materials within each group may be used together in wavelength. [CIE]B
a finished product without perceived color variation. (1990) spectrocolorimeter, n—spectrophotometer, one component of
sheen, n—the specular gloss at a large angle of incidence for which is a dispersive element (such as a prism, grating, or
an otherwise matte specimen. interference filter or wedge) that is normally capable of
DISCUSSION—(The usual angle for measurement is 85°.) (1988)
producing as output only colorimetric data (such as tristimu-
(D 16)B lus values and derived color coordinates) but not the
underlying spectral data from which colorimetric data are
side-tone, n—appearance at the flop angle. (1995) derived. (1988a) (E 1164)
Snell’s law, n—the product of the sine of the angle of spectrogoniophotometer, n—goniophotometer having the ca-
refraction by the refractive index of the refracting medium is pability of measuring as a function of wavelength; see the
equal to the product of the sine of the angle of incidence by preferred term, goniospectrophotometer. (1995)
the index of refraction of the medium containing the incident spectrograph, n—a spectrometer for optical radiation mea-
beam. (1988) [OSA]A surements in which the receiver system detects radiant
solid-color, adj—not containing flake or gonioapparent pig- power simultaneously at many points across the spectral
ments. region of interest, for example by use of a photographic
source, n—an object that produces light or other radiant flux, medium or an array-type photometric detector. (1992)
or the spectral power distribution of that light. (See also spectrometer, n—an instrument for measuring a specified
standard source, CIE standard source A, CIE standard property as a function of a spectral variable. In optical
source B, CIE standard source C.) radiation measurements, the spectral variable is wavelength
sparkle, n—the visual contrast between the appearance of or wavenumber and the measured property is (or is related
highlights on the particles of a gonioapparent pigment and to) absorbed, emitted, reflected, or transmitted radiant
their immediate surround. power. See spectrograph, spectrophotometer, spectrora-
special indices of metamerism, n— indices of degree of diometer. (1992)
metamerism associated with specific changes in illuminating spectrophotometer, n—a spectrometer for optical radiation
or viewing conditions, such as change of illuminant or measurements in which the receiver system is a photometer.
change of observer. (1991b) See photometric. (1992)
specific luminance, n— see coefficient of retroreflected lumi-
nance. DISCUSSION—A spectrophotometer is essentially a reflectance or
specimen, n—a piece or portion of a sample used to make a transmittance spectrometer, utilizing either a bidirectional or a hemi-
spherical optical measuring system. The suffix photometer derives from
test.
the time the light transducer used was the human eye. It is now almost
specimen normal, n— see surface normal. (1991b). always superseded by an optoelectronic receiver system.
spectral, adj—(1) modifying a quantity, descriptor that the
quantity is a function of wavelength; (2) for radiometric spectrophotometry, n—quantitative measurement of reflec-
quantities, pertaining to monochromatic radiant energy at a tion or transmission properties as a function of wavelength.
specified wavelength or, by extension, to radiant energy (See also abridged spectrophotometry.)
within a narrow wavelength band about a specified wave- spectroradiometer, n—a spectrometer for measuring emitted
length. (E 349)B optical radiant power. (1992)

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spectrum, n—the spatial arrangement of components of radi- superposition of filters so that the spectral composition of
ant power in order of wavelength. light passing through the combination is determined by
spectrum locus, n—the locus of points on a chromaticity simultaneous or successive absorption. (1987) [TAPPI]
diagram representing chromaticities of monochromatic subtractive primaries, n—see primary colorants.
lights of various wavelengths. surface color, n—color perceived as belonging to the surface
specular, adj—pertaining to flux reflected from the surface of of a specimen, without the specimen appearing to be
an object, without diffusion, at the specular angle. (1988) self-luminous. (1988)
specular angle, n—the angle of reflection equal and opposite surface normal, n—the direction normal or perpendicular to
to the angle of incidence. (1995) the surface of a plane specimen. (1991a) (E 179)
surround, n—portion of the visual field immediately around
DISCUSSION—In gonioapparent phenomena, this definition assumes
an illuminator subtending a small angle. the object or light source of interest. See ambient field.
[TAPPI]
specular gloss, n—( 1) ratio of flux reflected in specular texture, n—the visible surface structure depending on the size
direction to incident flux for a specified angle of incidence and organization of small constituent parts of a material;
and source and receptor angular apertures. typically, the surface structure of a woven fabric. (C 460,
(2) perceived surface brightness associated with the lumi- D 1038)C
nous specular (regular) reflection of a surface. (1988) [CIE] thermochromism, n—a change in color with temperature
B change.
specular reflection, n—reflection without diffusion, in accor- tint, n—a color produced by the mixture of white pigment or
dance with the laws of optical reflection, as in a mirror. paint with a chromatic pigment or paint. (See also tint, v,
standard, n—see documentry standard, physical standard, shade, n, shade, v.)
primary standard, product standard, reference standard,
DISCUSSION—A tint of a chromatic color is, therefore, lighter and less
transfer standard, verification standard, working stan-
dard. saturated than the chromatic color. (D 16)B
standard deviation, n—the most usual measure of the disper- tint, v—to adjust the color of a test specimen to be a closer
sion of observed values or results, expressed as the positive color match to the standard. (See also tint, n; shade, vt;
square root of the sum of the squared deviations from the shade, n.) (1991)
sample average, divided by the degrees of freedom, usually tinting strength, n—measure of the effectiveness with which
n − 1, where n is the number of observed values. (1993) unit quantity of a colorant alters the color of a material.
standard illuminant, n—a luminous flux, specified by its (1988)
spectral distribution, meeting specifications adopted by a
DISCUSSION—For scattering and absorbing colorants, both scattering
standardizing organization. (See, for example, CIE stan- and absorption tinting strength must be specified. (See absorption
dard illuminant A , CIE standard illuminant B, CIE tinting strength, scattering tinting strength).
standard illuminant C, CIE standard illuminant D65.)
(1990) total reflectance, r, n—the ratio to the incident flux of the
standardize, v—to adjust instrument output to correspond to a radiant or luminous flux reflected at all angles within the
previously established calibration using one or more homo- hemisphere bounded by the plane of measurement. (1991a)
geneous specimens or reference materials. (See calibrate, total reflectance factor, n—the ratio of the radiant or luminous
verify). (1993) flux, reflected at all angles within the hemisphere bounded
by the plane of the specimen, to the flux reflected from the
DISCUSSION—As defined here, standardization is normally carried out
by an instrument user.
perfect reflecting diffuser under the same geometric and
spectral conditions of measurement. (1990b)
standard observer, n—an ideal observer having visual re- total transmittance, tt, n—the ratio of the flux transmitted at
sponse described by the CIE color-matching functions. (See all forward angles to the incidence flux.
also CIE 1931 standard observer, CIE 1964 supplemen- transfer standard, n—a physical standard used to transfer a
tary standard observer.) (1990) calibration from one instrument to another, usually from a
standard source, n—a source of radiant flux meeting specifi- reference instrument in a standards laboratory to an instru-
cations adopted by a standardizing organization. (See also ment in the field.
CIE standard source A, CIE standard source B , CIE translucency, n—the property of a specimen by which it
standard source C .) (1990) transmits light diffusely without permitting a clear view of
stimulus, n—any action or condition that has the potential for objects beyond the specimen and not in contact with it.
evoking a response. translucent, adj—transmitting light diffusely, but not permit-
stop, n—any window or diaphragm that restricts the passage of ting a clear view of objects beyond the specimen and not in
light rays in an optical device. (See also aperture stop, field contact with it. (D 883) B
stop.) (1987) [TAPPI] transmission, n— of radiant energy, the process whereby
strength, n—dyer’s, the color quality that increases with an radiant energy passes through a material or object. (See also
increase in the amount of dye present, other conditions diffuse transmission, mixed transmission, regular trans-
remaining constant. (See also tinting strength.) mission.)
subtractive color mixture, n—mixture of absorbing media or transmission density, DT, n—the negative logarithm to base

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ten of the transmittance factor. [ANSI PH2.36]A by nearly equal distances. (1995) [TAPPI] B
transmittance, t, n—the ratio of transmitted flux to incident uniform color space, n—schematic arrangement of colors in
flux, under specified geometric and spectral conditions. (See space in which spatial intervals between points correspond to
also diffuse transmittance, internal transmittance, regu- visual differences between colors represented by those
lar transmittance, total transmittance.) points. (1987) [TAPPI]B
transmittance density, Dt, n—the negative logarithm to base uniform diffuser, n— see Lambertian diffuser.
ten of the transmittance. [ANSI PH2.36]A uniplanar, adj—descriptor for illuminating and viewing ge-
transmittance factor, T, n—ratio of the flux transmitted by the ometry in which the axes of the illuminator and the receiver
specimen to the flux transmitted by the perfect transmitting and the normal to the specimen surface are in the same
diffuser under the same geometric and spectral conditions of plane; thus directional illumination or viewing is provided
measurement. (1990) by one beam, or by two beams spaced 180° apart in azimuth.
transparency, n—the degree of regular transmission, thus the The number and angular distribution of the beams should be
property of a material by which objects may be seen clearly specified. (1988a) (E 1164)
through a sheet of it. unique hue, n—perceived hue that cannot be described by a
transparent, adj—transmitting radiant energy without diffu- hue name other than its own. (E 1360) (1992)
sion. (1990)
travel, n—a change in appearance of a material as it is viewed DISCUSSION—There are four unique hues: red, green, yellow, and
over a wide range of aspecular angles. (1995) blue. [CIE]A
trichromatic system, n—system for specifying color stimuli unitary hue, n—see unique hue.
in terms of tristimulus values based on matching colors by unrelated color, n—color perceived to belong to an area seen
additive mixture of three suitably chosen reference color in isolation from other colors. (1991b) [CIE, 1987]A
stimuli. (1987) [CIE]A value, n—see Munsell value.
tristimulus colorimeter, n—instrument that measures psycho- verification standard, n—calibrated physical standard used to
physical color, in terms of tristimulus values, by the use of verify the accuracy of calibration of measurement scales,
filters to convert the relative spectral power distribution of operating characteristics, or systems responses of color-
the illuminator to that of a standard illuminant, and to measuring instruments. (1991)
convert the relative spectral responsivity of the receiver to
verify, v—to assess the overall reliability and accuracy of an
the responsivities prescribed for a standard observer. (1989)
instrument or method of measurement by use of material
DISCUSSION—In some instruments, the filters may be combined into standards for which the measurable quantities have accepted
one set placed in the receiver; in such cases, caution should be observed values. See verification standard. (1993)
when measuring fluorescent specimens. (1990) vignetting, n—loss of light rays at stops of an optical instru-
tristimulus values—the amounts of three specified stimuli ment, other than the aperture stop.
required to match a color. (See also CIE spectral tristimu- viewing angle, n, n—in retroreflection, the angle between the
lus values.) retroreflector axis and the observation axis. (1993) (E 808)
DISCUSSION—In the CIE system, they are assigned the symbols X, Y,
viewing conditions, n—the conditions under which a visual
and Z. observation is made, including the angular subtense of the
specimen at the eye, the geometric relationship of source,
tristimulus weighting factors, S x̄, S ȳ, S z̄, n—factors specimen, and eye, the photometric and spectral character of
obtained from products of the spectral power S of an the source, the photometric and spectral character of the field
illuminant and the spectral color matching functions x̄, ȳ, z̄ of of view surrounding the specimen, and the state of adapta-
an observer, usually tabulated at wavelength intervals of 10 tion of the eye.
or 20 nm, used to compute tristimulus values by multiplica-
visible, adj—pertaining to that portion of the electromagnetic
tion by the spectral reflectance, transmittance, or radiance (or
spectrum to which the eye is sensitive, approximately 380 to
the corresponding factors) and summation. (1991a)
780 nm in wavelength. (1991)
DISCUSSION—Proper account should be taken of the spectral band visible-activated fluorescence, n— fluorescence resulting
width of the measuring instrument, and normalization may be required. from the absorption of visible radiant flux, that is, flux with
turbidity, n—reduction of transparency of a specimen due to wavelengths 380 to 780 nm. (See also ultra-violet-activated
the presence of particulate matter. (D 1889)B fluorescence.)
ultraviolet, adj—referring to radiant flux having wavelengths visibility, n—the properties and behavior of light waves and
shorter than the visible wavelengths about 10 to 380 nm. objects interacting in the environment to produce light
(1991) signals capable of evoking visual sensation. (1989)
ultraviolet-activated fluorescence, n— fluorescence resulting (F 923)
from the absorption of ultraviolet radiant flux, that is, flux visibility distance, n—the greatest distance at which an object
with wavelengths shorter than 380 nm. (See also visible- can be seen.
activated fluorescence.) visual colorimeter, n—an instrument, using the eye as detec-
uniform-chromaticity-scale diagram, n— chromaticity dia- tor, that measures color stimuli produced by mixing one or
gram on which all pairs of just-perceptibly different colors of more of at least three primary colors. (1989)
equal luminance are represented by pairs of points separated visual perception, n—the visual experience resulting from

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stimulation of the retina and the resulting activity of associ- context but with the meaning assigned in this specialized
ated neural systems. (1994) vocabulary, editorially insert a generic delimiting phrase such
wavelength, l, n—of an electromagnetic wave, the distance in as “ in gonioapparent phenomena,” or the equivalent, after the
the direction of propagation between nearest points at which dash preceding the definition, to properly delimit the field of
the electric vector has the same phase. (See also comple- application of the term to that defined in the specialized
mentary wavelength, dominant wavelength.) (1990) terminology.
DISCUSSION—The wavelength unit generally used in spectrophotom- 4.1.1 List of Terms:
etry related to colorimetry is the nanometer (nm). Unless otherwise angle of illumination angle of view
stated, values of wavelength are generally those in air. angle of incidence annular
angle of reflection aperture angle
Weber’s law, n—the just-perceptible increment of a stimulus aperture solid angle goniometer
is an approximately constant fraction of the stimulus mag- aspecular goniophotometer
aspecular angle goniospectrophotometer
nitude over a wide range. (1995) [OSA] B azimuthal angle illuminator
whiteness, n—attribute of color perception by which an object (deprecated term) illuminator plane
color is judged to approach the preferred white. (1995) azimuthal viewing luster
bidirectional metal-like
(D 1695, E 313) B circumferential metallic
whiteness index, n—a number, computed by a given proce- detector mottle
dure from colorimetric data, that indicates the degree of dielectric near-specular
directionality near-specular angle
departure of an object color from a preferred white. (1990) face near-specular color
(E 313) face angle observation angle
working standard, n—an instrument standard or laboratory face color pearlescent
flash receiver plane
standard in routine use. flip rotation angle
yellowness, n—attribute of color perception by which an (deprecated term) side-tone
object color is judged to depart from colorless or a preferred flop, adj solid-color
flop angle sparkle
white toward yellow. (1995) flop color specimen normal
flop index spectrometer
DISCUSSION—Negative values of yellowness denote blueness. geometric metamerism spectrogoniophotometer
(E 313)A (D 1925)C (deprecated term) spectrophotometer
glitter specular
yellowness index, n—a number, computed by a given proce- gonioappearance specular angle
dure from colorimetric or spectrophotometric data, that gonioapparent specular reflection
goniochromatic match travel
indicates the degree of departure of an object color from goniochromatism uniplanar
colorless, or from a preferred white, toward C
yellow.
(D 1925) (E 313)B 5. Keywords
4. Specialized Terminology on Gonioapparent 5.1 appearance; definitions; gonioapparent phenomena; ter-
Phenomena minology
4.1 Delimiting Phrase—When a term in the specialized
terminology of gonioapparent phenomena is used out of

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. ADDITIONS AND CHANGES SINCE THE LAST PREVIOUS REVISION

X1.1 Terms or cross-references added since edition X1.2 Definition changed since edition E284 – 98a.
E284 – 98a. ambient field ultraviolet-activated fluores-
ambient field cence
surround surround visible-activated fluores-
cence

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REFERENCES

(1) Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam Company, 17, International Lighting Vocabulary, 3rd ed., 1970; 4th ed., 1987,
Springfield, MA, latest edition. Central Bureau of the CIE, Vienna.
(2) Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Lan- (6) Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage (CIE), Publication CIE No.
guage, G. & C. Merriam Company, Springfield, MA, latest edition. 38, Radiometric and Photometric Characteristics of Materials and
(3) The Random House Dictionary of the English Language, Random Their Measurement, Central Bureau of the CIE, Vienna, 1977.
House, New York, latest edition. (7) ANSI/IES RP-16-1986, American National Standard, Nomenclature
(4) The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Clarendon Press, Oxford, and Definitions for Illuminating Engineering , American National
England. Standards Institute, Inc., and Illuminating Engineering Society of
(5) Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage (CIE), Publication CIE No. North America, New York, 1987.

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