This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: E284 − 17

Standard Terminology of
Appearance1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E284; 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 (´) 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 E12 on Color and Appearance, the definitions in this terminology standard are
taken to be prescriptive in nature. Committee E12 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* 1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-

dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This terminology standard defines terms used in the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
description of appearance, including but not limited to color,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
gloss, opacity, scattering, texture, and visibility of both mate-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
rials (ordinary, fluorescent, retroreflective) and light sources
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
(including visual display units).
1.2 It is the policy of ASTM Committee E12 on Color and 2. Referenced Documents
Appearance that this terminology standard include important 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
terms and definitions explicit to the scope, whether or not the C242 Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related
terms are currently used in an ASTM standard. Terms that are Products
in common use and appear in common-language dictionaries C286 Terminology Relating to Porcelain Enamel and
(see Refs (1–2)2) are generally not included, except when the Ceramic-Metal Systems
dictionaries show multiple definitions and it seems desirable to C460 Terminology for Asbestos-Cement (Withdrawn 2001)4
indicate the definitions recommended for E12 standards. D16 Terminology for Paint, Related Coatings, Materials, and
1.3 The usage of terms describing appearance varies con- Applications
siderably. In some cases, different usage of a term in different D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
fields has been noted. D156 Test Method for Saybolt Color of Petroleum Products
(Saybolt Chromometer Method)
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
1
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E12 on Color
and Appearance and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E12.01 on
3
Terminology. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved May 1, 2017. Published July 2017. Originally approved contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
in 1966. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as E284 – 13b. DOI: 10.1520/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
E0284-17. the ASTM website.
2 4
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
text. www.astm.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 E284 − 17
D1003 Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance TAPPI T 452 Brightness of Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard
of Transparent Plastics (Directional Reflectance at 457 nm)8
D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
3. Significance and Use
D1245 Practice for Examination of Water-Formed Deposits
by Chemical Microscopy 3.1 This terminology standard contains definitions of ap-
D1535 Practice for Specifying Color by the Munsell System pearance terms applicable to the work of many ASTM techni-
D1695 Terminology of Cellulose and Cellulose Derivatives cal committees. Its use by committees other than Committee
D1889 Test Method for Turbidity of Water (Withdrawn E12 on Color and Appearance, and its citation in the standards
2007)4 of such committees, is encouraged.
D2805 Test Method for Hiding Power of Paints by Reflec- 3.2 In this terminology standard, definitions of terms used in
tometry other ASTM standards are indicated by placing the designation
E131 Terminology Relating to Molecular Spectroscopy of that standard in parentheses at the end of the definition.
E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Definitions used by other organizations (see Refs (3–4)) are
Metals, Ores, and Related Materials indicated similarly by placing in parentheses at the end of the
E179 Guide for Selection of Geometric Conditions for definition the acronym of the organization, occasionally with
Measurement of Reflection and Transmission Properties the date of its terminology standard quoted. In either case, a
of Materials superscript letter may be used to indicate the degree of
correspondence between the definition given herein and that in
E313 Practice for Calculating Yellowness and Whiteness
the citation. Superscript A indicates that the two are identical;
Indices from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
B that the given definition is a modification of that cited, with
E349 Terminology Relating to Space Simulation
little difference in essential meaning; and C that the two differ
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics substantially.
E491 Practice for Solar Simulation for Thermal Balance
Testing of Spacecraft 3.3 A further parenthetical inclusion at the end of the
E808 Practice for Describing Retroreflection definition gives the revision, if after 1981, in which the
E809 Practice for Measuring Photometric Characteristics of definition was added to this terminology standard or last
revised.
Retroreflectors
E903 Test Method for Solar Absorptance, Reflectance, and 3.4 Where appropriate, symbols or acronyms are listed for
Transmittance of Materials Using Integrating Spheres terms in this terminology standard. Since usage varies, these
E1164 Practice for Obtaining Spectrometric Data for Object- listings should be considered as recommendations, not as
Color Evaluation mandatory. If a different symbol or acronym is used in another
E1767 Practice for Specifying the Geometries of Observa- ASTM standard, this should be indicated in that standard.
tion and Measurement to Characterize the Appearance of 3.5 In the 1990 edition of this terminology standard, a great
Materials many terms were relocated to conform to the recommendation
E2175 Practice for Specifying the Geometry of Multiangle of the Form and Style for ASTM Standards, (Blue Book) that
Spectrophotometers listings be in spoken word order. In general, there are no
E2214 Practice for Specifying and Verifying the Perfor- cross-references between the old and new listings, except
mance of Color-Measuring Instruments where a special function is served. An example of such a
F923 Guide to Properties of High Visibility Materials Used special function is to list all terms relating to a given basic
to Improve Individual Safety (Withdrawn 2006)4 quantity, for example, all terms defining various sorts of
angles.
2.2 Other Documents:
ANSI PH2.36 Terms, Symbols, and Notation for Optical 3.6 This terminology standard adopts the following usage of
certain word endings. The ending “ion” denotes a process, as in
Transmission and Reflection Measurement (Optical Den-
reflection; “ance” denotes a property of a specimen, as in
sity)5
reflectance; and “ity” denotes a property of the kind of material
CIE Publication No. 51 A Method for Assessing the Quality
of which the specimen is composed, as in reflectivity. Excep-
of Daylight Simulators for Colorimetry6 tions exist, as in the common use of illumination and radiation
ISO 13655 Spectral Measurement and Colorimetric Compu- to refer to quantities as well as processes.
tation for Graphic Arts Images7
ISO 3664:2000 Viewing Conditions – Graphic Technology 4. Terminology
and Photography7 4.1 Definitions:
AATCC blue wool lightfastness standards, n—standard
dyed-wool samples of seven grades, each step in the series
5
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., representing a doubling of lightfastness.
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
6
Available from CIE (International Commission on Illumination), http://
8
www.cie.co.at or http://techstreet.com. Available from Technological Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry
7
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1 rue de (TAPPI), 15 Technology Parkway South, Suite 115, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092,
Varembé, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iso.ch. http://www.tappi.org.

2
 E284 − 17
DISCUSSION—Available from the American Association of Textile stimuli in such a manner that they cannot be perceived
Chemists and Colorists. individually. (1995a) [CIE] A
abridged spectrophotometry, n—the measurement of reflec- additive primaries, n—same as primary color stimuli.
tance factor or transmittance factor in a number of wave- ambient field, n—when an object or light source is viewed, the
length bands rather than as continuous functions of wave- complete area beyond the surround from which light might
length. reach the observer’s eyes and influence the object’s appear-
DISCUSSION—The wavelength bands may be isolated by the use of an
array of sensors with a dispersing system or by the use of narrow-band
ance. See surround.
filters. American Public Health Association (APHA) color, n—see
absorbance, A, n—logarithm to the base 10 of the reciprocal of platinum cobalt color scale.
the internal transmittance TI. A = log10 (1/TI) = −log10TI. angle, n—see aperture angle, aperture solid angle, azi-
(1990) (E131)B muthal angle, entrance angle, observation angle, rotation
angle, specular angle.
absorptance α, n—the ratio of the absorbed radiant or lumi-
angle of illumination, n—angle between the specimen normal
nous flux to the incident flux. [CIE]A
and the illuminator axis. (1991b)
absorption, n—the transformation of radiant energy to a
angle of incidence, n—the angle between a ray impinging on
different form of energy by interaction with matter. [CIE]A
a surface at a point and the perpendicular to the surface at
absorption coefficient, α, n—measure of the absorption of that point. In the description of a beam, the angle of
radiant energy from an incident beam (Po) as it traverses an incidence of the ray at the center of the beam.
absorbing medium according to Bouguer’s law, P = Poe−αb,
angle of reflection, n—the angle between a ray reflected from
where b is the sample optical pathlength. (1988) (E131)
a surface at a point and the perpendicular to the surface at
absorption tinting strength, n—relative change in the absorp- that point.
tion properties of a standard white material when a specified
amount of an absorbing colorant, black or chromatic, is angle of view, n—angle between the normal to the surface of
added to it. (1988a) the specimen and the axis of the receiver and (1988a); see
DISCUSSION—See the Discussion to masstone.
also viewing angle (2). (2013)

absorptivity, a, n—the absorbance divided by the product of angle, rotation, n—see rotation angle.
the concentration, c, of the substance and the sample optical angular subtense, n—visual, the angle subtended (by an
pathlength, b, a = A ⁄bc. The units of b and c shall be object) at the first nodal point of the eye.
specified. (1988) (E131)B
annular, adj—descriptor for directional illuminating (or view-
accuracy, n—the closeness of agreement between a test result ing) geometry in which the illuminator provides radiation (or
and an accepted reference value. (1993) the receiver possesses responsivity) that is distributed con-
DISCUSSION—The qualitative term accuracy, when applied to a set of tinuously and uniformly throughout the 360° of azimuth of
observed values, will be a combination of a random precision compo- the measurement. (See also circumferential.) (1989)
nent and a systematic error or bias component. Since in routine use (E1164)A
random components and bias components cannot be completely
separated, the reported “accuracy” must be interpreted as a combination anormal, adj—of angles, measured with reference to the
of these two elements. See bias, precision. normal to the surface. (2008)
achromatic, adj—(1) for primary light sources, the computed anormal angle, n—the angle subtended at a point on the
chromaticity of the equal-energy spectrum. (1995) specimen by a given ray and the normal. (2009)
(2) for surface colors, the color of a whitish light, serving DISCUSSION—Use the inward normal with transmitted rays; use the
as the illuminant, to which adaptation has taken place in the outward normal for other rays. In uniplanar instruments, the “point” is
visual system of the observer. (1995) the point of incidence and the anormal angle is understood to have a
(3) perceived as having no hue, that is, as white, gray, or sign. The anormal angle of an illumination axis is positive or zero. The
black. [CIE]B anormal angle of a detection axis is negative if the illumination and
detection axes are on opposite sides of the line of the normal and
Adams color difference, n—color difference calculated by positive or zero otherwise. (E1767)C, (E2175)C
using the Adams-Nickerson opponent-color equations, based
on applying the Munsell Value function to CIE 1931 aperture angle, 2κ, n—angle subtended at a point on a
tristimulus values X, Y, Z. (1988) specimen by the maximum dimension of the illuminator or
receiver, within which the flux in a directional beam is
additive color mixture, n—superposition or other nondestruc- contained. (1990)
tive combination of lights of different perceived colors. DISCUSSION—In optics, the symbol κ is used for the half angle; hence
(1995) the recommended symbol here is 2κ.

additive color stimulus mixture, n—method of simulation aperture mode, n—color seen through an aperture which
that combines on the retina the actions of various color prevents its association with a specific object or source.

3
 E284 − 17
aperture solid angle, ω, n—solid angle subtended at a point on basic color terms, n—a group of eleven color names found in
the specimen, defined by the sum of rays from the illumi- anthropological surveys to be in wide use in fully developed
nator or the sum of directions in which the receiver is languages: white, black, red, green, yellow, blue, brown,
sensitive to incoming radiation. (1990) gray, orange, purple, pink. (1990)
aperture stop, n—the physical diameter that limits the size of beam, n—in optics, a concentrated unidirectional flow of
the cone of radiation that an optical system will accept from radiant energy. (1988)
an axial point on the object. (1988) [OSA]A
Beer’s law, n—the absorbance of a homogeneous sample
appearance, n—(1) of an object, the collected visual aspects of containing an absorbing substance is directly proportional to
an object or a scene. (2006b) the concentration of the absorbing substance. See also
(2) perceived, the visual perception of an object, including absorptivity. (1988) (E131)A
size, shape, color, texture, gloss, transparency, opacity, etc., bias, n—a systematic difference between the sample mean of
separately or integrated. (2006b) the measurements or test results and an accepted reference
area reflector, n—reflector subtending a relatively large solid value. (1993)
angle at the observer’s eye, so that the observer can clearly DISCUSSION—Bias is the systematic component of accuracy. There
may be one or more systematic error components contributing to the
distinguish its size and shape. (1988) bias. In appearance measurement, the accepted reference value is
artificial daylight, n—an artificial light that has a spectral usually assigned to a standard specimen; see physical standard.
power distribution approximating that of a phase of natural biconical, adj—see the preferred but not equivalent term,
daylight. (1995) bidirectional, as in bidirectional optical measuring system.
(1991b)
aspecular, adj—of angles, measured with reference to the
bidirectional, adj—see bidirectional optical measuring sys-
specular direction. (2008)
tem. (1991)
aspecular angle, n—the angle subtended at the point of bidirectional optical measuring system, n—an optical system
incidence by a given ray and the specular direction. (2009) for measuring the reflecting or transmitting properties of
DISCUSSION—In instruments, the “given ray” is understood to be a specimens, wherein the illuminator and receiver each sub-
detection direction. In uniplanar instruments, the aspecular angle is to tend small angles at the specimen surface. (1988a)
be understood to have a sign: negative when the specular direction lies
properly between the detection direction and the illuminator axis and bidirectional scattering distribution function (BSDF),
positive otherwise. (E1767)C, (E2175)C n—for a uniformly-illuminated surface, the distribution with
respect to the scatter direction of the average surface
attributes of color, adj—(1) for the object mode of radiance divided by the surface irradiance when that surface
appearance, hue, lightness, and saturation. In the Munsell is illuminated in a specified direction. (2006a)
system, Munsell Hue, Munsell Value, and Munsell Chroma. DISCUSSION—BSDF is a differential function dependent on the
(2) for the illuminant or aperture mode, hue, brightness, wavelength, incident direction, scatter direction, and polarization states
and saturation. of the incident and scattered fluxes. The BSDF is equivalent to the
fraction of the incident flux scattered per unit projected solid angle. The
azimuthal angle, η, n—angle between the plane containing the BSDF of a lambertian surface is independent of scatter direction. The
axis of the illuminator (or the path of illumination) and the BSDF of a specularly reflecting surface has a sharp peak in the specular
specimen normal and the plane containing the axis of the direction. Each measurement of BSDF obtains an average of the local
receiver (or the path of reception) and the specimen normal. BSDF at points within the measurement aperture. If a surface scatters
non-uniformly from one position to another then a series of measure-
The origin and direction of measure of the angle should be ments over the sample surface must be averaged to obtain a suitable
specified when required. (1990) statistical uncertainty.
azimuthal viewing, n—deprecated term; do not use. Replace bispectral fluorescence radiance factor, bFλ (µ), n—the ratio
azimuthal by annular or circumferential. (1995a) of the spectral radiance at wavelength λ due to fluorescence
from a point on the specimen when irradiated at wavelength
banding, n—a non-uniformity of color appearance on a scale
µ to the total radiance of the perfectly reflecting diffuser
much larger than colorant particles, characterized by a band
similarly irradiated and viewed (see NPL Report MOM 12).
or several nearly parallel indistinct stripes differing slightly
in color from the remaining area. bispectral radiance factor, bλ (µ), n—the ratio of the spectral
radiance (radiance per unit waveband) at wavelength λ from
bandpass, adj—having to do with a passband. (2006) a point on a specimen when irradiated at wavelength µ to the
bandwidth, n—the width of a passband at its half-peak total (integrated spectral) radiance of the perfectly reflecting
transmittance. (2006) diffuser similarly irradiated and viewed.
b λ ~ µ ! 5 L λ ~ µ ! /L ~ µ ! d (1)
barré, n—a defect characterized by bars or streaks, fillingwise
in woven fabrics or coursewise in weft-knit fabrics, caused bispectral reflection radiance factor, bRλ (µ), n—the ratio of
by uneven tension in knitting, or defective yarn, improper the spectral radiance at wavelength λ due to reflection from
needle action, or other similar factors. a point on the specimen when irradiated at wavelength µ to

4
 E284 − 17
the total radiance of the perfectly reflecting diffuser similarly material standards and techniques traceable to an authorized
irradiated and viewed. national or international measurement system. (1994a)
DISCUSSION—As defined here, calibration is normally carried out by
bispectrometer, n—an optical instrument equipped with a an instrument manufacturer. See standardize, verify.
source of irradiation, two monochromators, and a detection
system, such that a specimen can be measured at candela, cd, n—the SI unit of luminous intensity; the luminous
independently-controlled irradiation and viewing wave- intensity, in a given direction, of a source that emits
lengths. The bispectrometer is designed to allow for calibra- monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 × 1012 hertz and
tion to provide quantitative determination of the bispectral that has a radiant intensity in that direction of (1/683) watt
radiation-transfer properties of the specimen. (5) per steradian.
DISCUSSION—Typically, a reference detection system monitors the DISCUSSION—The lone frequency of 540 × 1012 Hz mentioned in the
radiation incident on the specimen. This reference detection system definition has a wavelength of 555.016 nm in standard air, which for
serves to compensate for both temporal and spectral variations in the almost all purposes can be taken to be 555 nm without affecting the
flux incident upon the specimen, by normalization of readings from the accuracy of a real measurement. For sources at other frequencies
instrument’s emission detection system. (wavelengths), scale their spectral radiant intensities by the spectral
luminous efficiency function, V(λ). [CIE]A
blackbody, n—see the preferred term, full radiator.
bleached specimen, n—specimen whose absorptance has been centroid wavelength, n—wavelength marking the center, in
decreased by chemical or radiant means. (1987) [TAPPI]A terms of area under a curve, of a function of wavelength
weighted by multiplication with a specified response func-
bleeding, n—the unintentional transfer of coloring matter from tion. (1988)
one medium to or through another. DISCUSSION—In the case of (TAPPI) brightness (of paper) the
response function is obtained by the use of a special blue tristimulus-
bloom, n—the scattering of light in directions near the specular colorimeter filter.
angle of reflection by a deposit on or exudation from a
specimen. characterize, v—to specify the parameters or performance of
an instrument or method of measurement. (1994)
blur, n—unsharpness (of an image). (2006) DISCUSSION—For example, in appearance measurement, the param-
DISCUSSION—Blur may result from effects of motion, defocus, eters might include the geometric and spectral nature of the illuminator
diffraction, or other factors. and the receiver, and the performance might be specified by measures
of reliability, precision, and bias.
blur, vt—to make (an image) less sharp. (2006)
chatoyance, n—appearance characterized by a changeable
body color, n—color produced by absorption and scattering of luster or color, sometimes including a spatially-undulating
light by colorants within a colored material. (1988) narrow white band or stripe.
Bouguer’s law, n—the absorbance of a homogeneous sample chemical luminescence, n—luminescence resulting from a
is directly proportional to the thickness of the sample in the chemical reaction. (See also luminescence.)
optical path. (Also known as Lambert’s [thickness] law.)
(1988) (E131)A chroma, n—(1) attribute of color used to indicate the degree of
departure of the color from a neutral color of the same
brightness, n—(1) aspect of visual perception whereby an area lightness. See also Munsell chroma. (1989b)
appears to emit more or less light. (1995) [CIE]B (F923)B (2) C*, (in the CIE 1976 L*, a*, b* or L*, u*, v* system)
(2) of an object color, combination of lightness and the quantity C*ab = (a*2 + b*2)1/2 or C*uv = (u*2 + v*2)1/2.
saturation. (1989b).
(3) in the textile industry, perceived as saturated, vivid, (3) attribute of a visual perception, produced by an object
deep, or clean. color, that permits a judgment to be made of the amount of
DISCUSSION—This usage may conflict with Definition 2 in the case of pure chromatic color present, irrespective of the amount of
dark colors. achromatic color. (1995)
(4) of paper, reflectance of an infinitely thick specimen DISCUSSION—See also saturation, Definition (2).
(reflectivity) measured for blue light with a centroid wave-
chromatic, adj—perceived as having a hue; not white, gray, or
length of 457 nm under specified spectral and geometric
black.
conditions of measurement. (1987) [TAPPI T 452]B
(5) dyer’s, the color quality, combining lightness and chromatic adaptation, n—changes in the visual system’s
saturation, that would be decreased by adding black, gray, or a sensitivities due to changes in the spectral quality of illumi-
complementary color to a chromatic dye. nating and viewing conditions. (1988)
bronzy color (or bronzing), n—a metallic coloration observed chromaticity, n—the color quality of a color stimulus defin-
when viewing the light reflected at angles near the angle of able by its chromaticity coordinates, or by its dominant (or
specular reflection, the color usually being quite different complementary) wavelength and its purity taken together.
from that observed for other directions. [CIE]A
calibrate, v—to find and eliminate systematic errors of an chromaticity coordinates, n—the ratio of each of the tristimu-
instrument scale or method of measurement by use of lus values of any viewed light to the sum of the three. (1995)

5
 E284 − 17
DISCUSSION—Chromaticity coordinates in the CIE 1931 system of CIE standard illuminant B, n—colorimetric illuminant, rep-
color specification are designated by x, y, z and in the CIE 1964 resenting direct sunlight with a correlated color temperature
supplementary system x10, y10, z10.) of 4874 K, defined by the CIE in terms of a relative spectral
chromaticity diagram, n—a plane diagram in which points power distribution. Declared obsolete by the CIE in 1983.
specified by chromaticity coordinates represent the chroma- (1988)
ticities of lights (color stimuli). (1995) [CIE]B CIE standard illuminant C, n—colorimetric illuminant, rep-
chromaticness, n—(1) attribute of visual perception combin- resenting daylight with a correlated color temperature of
ing the hue and saturation. (1995) 6774 K, defined by the CIE in terms of a relative spectral
(2) attribute of a visual perception according to which the power distribution. [CIE]B
color of an area appears to be more or less chromatic. (1995) CIE standard illuminant D65, n—colorimetric illuminant,
DISCUSSION—The term colorfulness is sometimes used as a synonym
representing daylight with a correlated color temperature of
for Definition (2). [CIE, 1970]B [CIE, 1987]B
6504 K, defined by the CIE in terms of a relative spectral
CIE, n—the abbreviation for the French title of the Interna- power distribution. (1987) [CIE]B
tional Commission on Illumination, Commission Interna-
CIE 1931 standard observer, n—ideal colorimetric observer
tionale de l’Éclairage.
with color matching functions x̄(λ), ȳ(λ), z̄(λ) corresponding
CIE color-rendering index, R, n—measure of the degree to to a field of view subtending a 2° angle on the retina;
which the computed chromaticity of a CIE test color sample commonly called the “2° standard observer.” (1988) [CIE]B
illuminated by a test illuminant conforms to that of the same
CIE standard source A, n—a gas-filled tungsten-filament
sample illuminated by a reference illuminant. (1995)
lamp operated at a correlated color temperature of 2855.6 K.
DISCUSSION—For eight CIE test-color samples, the results are CIE
[CIE]B
special color-rendering indices, Ri, i = 1–8. The average of these is the
CIE general color-rendering index Ra. [CIE]C CIE standard source B, n—standard source A combined with
CIE primaries, n—the primary color stimuli used in the CIE a specified liquid filter, to provide radiant flux with a
system of colorimetry. correlated color temperature of 4874 K. Declared obsolete
by the CIE in 1983. (1988)
CIE spectral tristimulus values, n—tristimulus values or
color-matching functions of the spectral components of an CIE standard source C, n—standard source A combined with
equal-energy spectrum in the CIE (XYZ) system. (1990) a specified liquid filter, to provide radiant flux with a
DISCUSSION—The color matching functions are assigned the symbols
correlated color temperature of 6774 K. (1988) [CIE]B
x̄(λ), ȳ(λ), z̄(λ) in the CIE 1931 colorimetric system and x̄10(λ), ȳ10(λ), CIE 1964 supplementary standard colorimetric system,
z̄10(λ) in the CIE 1964 supplementary colorimetric system. [CIE]B
n—a system for determining the tristimulus values of any
CIE 1931 (x,y) chromaticity diagram, n—chromaticity dia- spectral power distribution using the set of reference color
gram for the CIE 1931 standard observer, in which the CIE stimuli X10, Y10, Z10, and the three CIE color-matching
1931 chromaticity coordinates are plotted, with x as abscissa functions x̄10(λ), ȳ10(λ), z̄10(λ) adopted by the CIE in 1964.
and y as ordinate. (1993) (1989) [CIE]A

CIE 1964 (x10, y10) chromaticity diagram, n—chromaticity CIE 1964 supplementary standard observer, n—ideal colo-
diagram for the CIE 1964 supplementary standard observer, rimetric observer with color matching functions x̄10(λ),
in which the CIE 1964 chromaticity coordinates are plotted, ȳ10(λ), z̄10(λ) corresponding to a field of view subtending a
with x10 as abscissa and y10 as ordinate. (1993) 10° angle on the retina; commonly called the “10° standard
observer.” (1988) [CIE]B
CIE 1976 (u',v') or (u'10, v'10) chromaticity diagram,
n—chromaticity diagram in which the CIE 1976 L* u* v* CIE 1976 uniform-chromaticity-scale diagram, n—the
(CIELUV) chromaticity coordinates are plotted, with u'(or uniform-chromaticity-scale diagram produced by plotting in
u'10) as abscissa and v'(or v'10) as ordinate. (1993) rectangular coordinates v'against u', quantities defined as
DISCUSSION—These chromaticity diagrams should be used when follows:
diagrams more nearly equally visually spaced than the (x, y) or u' 5 4X/ ~ X115Y13Z ! 5 4x/ ~ 22x112y13 ! (2)
(x10, y10) diagrams are desired.
v' 5 9Y/ ~ X115Y13Z ! 5 9y/ ~ 22x112y13 !
CIE 1931 standard colorimetric system, n—a system for
determining the tristimulus values of any spectral power for the CIE 1931 standard colorimetric system, or v'10
distribution using the set of reference color stimuli X, Y, Z against u'10 for the CIE 1964 supplementary standard colori-
and the three CIE color-matching functions x̄(λ), ȳ(λ), z̄(λ) metric system, in which case in the above formulae X10, Y10,
adopted by the CIE in 1931. (1987) [CIE]A Z10 are used instead of X, Y, Z and x10, y10 instead of x, y.
(1987) [CIE]A
CIE standard illuminant A, n—colorimetric illuminant, rep-
resenting the full radiator at 2855.6 K, defined by the CIE in CIELAB color difference, n—color difference calculated by
terms of a relative spectral power distribution. [CIE]B using the CIE 1976 L* a* b* opponent-color scales, based

6
 E284 − 17
on applying a cube-root transformation to CIE 1931 tris- of a plane retroreflecting surface to its area (A), expressed in
timulus values X, Y, Z or CIE 1964 tristimulus values X10, candelas per lux per square metre (cd·lx−1·m−2). RA = (RI/A).
Y10, Z10. (1988) (1988) (E808)A
CIELUV color difference, n—color difference calculated by collector, n—optical components, such as the cornea and lens
using the CIE 1976 L* u* v* opponent-color scales, based on of the eye, which guide radiant flux from a specimen being
a linear transformation of CIE chromaticity coordinates x, y, observed or measured to a sensor.
or x10, y10 and a cube-root transformation of Y or Y10 to L*, DISCUSSION—A collector and a sensor comprise a receiver.
applied to CIE 1931 tristimulus values X, Y, Z or CIE 1964
tristimulus values X10, Y10, Z10. (1988) color, n—(1) of an object, aspect of object appearance distinct
from form, shape, size, position, or gloss that depends upon
circumferential, adj—descriptor for directional illuminating the spectral composition of the incident light, the spectral
(or viewing) geometry in which the illuminator provides reflectance or transmittance of the object, and the spectral
radiation (or the receiver possesses responsivity) in many response of the observer, as well as the illuminating and
beams (or directions), normally distributed at uniform inter- viewing geometry. (1987)
vals throughout the 360° of azimuth of the measurement. (2) perceived, attribute of visual perception that can be
The number and angular distribution of the beams (or described by color names such as white, gray, black, yellow,
directions) should be specified. (See also annular.) (1990) brown, vivid red, deep reddish purple, or by combinations of
(E1164)A such names.
circumjacent field, n—the field surrounding the field of DISCUSSION—Perceived color depends greatly on the spectral power
interest extending in all directions. (2012) distribution of the color stimulus, but also on the size, shape, structure,
DISCUSSION—The circumjacent field may be either a background or a and surround of the stimulus area, the state of adaptation of the
surround. In art: A surround is an area that touches the object, or object observer’s visual system, and the observer’s experience with similar
field, on all sides and will strongly affect its appearance. A background observations. [TAPPI]A
passes behind the object, or object field, and is further from it and so (3) colorimetric, characteristics of a color stimulus denoted
has a smaller effect on the appearance of the object or object field.
by a colorimetric specification with three values, such as
(2013)
tristimulus values.
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
rated by some distance from the body) are observable supplemented by the value of a suitable absolute photometric quantity.
through the body. The appearance of colors depends not only on their absolute tristimulus
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]A[CIE]B
DISCUSSION—Based on the lightness, hue, chroma version of
CIELAB, it incorporates chroma and hue-angle correction terms for color angle, n—in measurement of gonioapparent phenomena,
improved visual spacing and variable weighting factors for lightness (l) half the angle between the illumination and detection axes of
and chroma (c) relative to hue for improved correlation depending on the measurement geometry. (2008)
type of judgment (acceptability, perceptibility) and application (textiles, DISCUSSION—The color of an interference pigment is determined by
others). the angle of incidence of the light relative to the normal of the
interference pigment flake. Flakes in a coating have an angular
coefficient of line retroreflection, RM, n—of a reflecting stripe, distribution, and the interference effect will be exhibited in a given
the ratio of the coefficient of luminous intensity (RI) of a measurement geometry only by the flakes that are oriented so that they
retroreflecting stripe to its length (l), expressed in candelas behave as specular reflectors. Since the refractive index of the specimen
per lux per metre (cd·lx−1·m−1). RM = (RI/l). (1988) (E808)A is often unknown, color angle is defined here as if the flakes were in air.
Color angle provides a relative indication of the angle between the flake
coefficient of luminous intensity RI, n—of a retroreflector, normal and the illuminator axis.
ratio of the luminous intensity (I) of the retroreflector in the
direction of observation to the illuminance (E') at the colorant, n—dye, pigment, or other agent used to impart a
retroreflector on a plane perpendicular to the direction of the color to a material. (1988)
incident light, expressed in candelas per lux (cd·lx−1).
RI = (I/E'). (1988) (E808)A color atlas, n—a collection of color samples arranged accord-
ing to a color order system. (1990)
coefficient of retroreflected luminance, RL, n—ratio of the
luminance, L, of a projected surface to the normal color constancy, n—the general tendency of the colors of an
illuminance, E', at the surface on a plane normal to the object to remain constant when the color of the illumination
incident light, expressed in candelas per square metre per lux is changed.
(cd·m−2·lx−1). RL = (L/E'). (1988) (E808)B
color difference, n—(1) perceived, the magnitude and charac-
coefficient of retroreflection, RA, n—of a plane reflecting ter of the difference between two colors described by such
surface, the ratio of the coefficient of luminous intensity (RI) terms as redder, bluer, lighter, darker, grayer, or cleaner.

7
 E284 − 17
(2) computed, the magnitude and direction of the differ- color measurement, n—process of deriving, by visual or
ence between two psychophysical color stimuli and their instrumental means, a set of three numbers that describe the
components computed from tristimulus values, or chroma- attributes of a color, in the form of a color notation or a
ticity coordinates and luminance factor, by means of a colorimetric specification. (1988)
specified set of color-difference equations.
color mixture, n—see additive color mixture, additive color
color-difference units, n—units of size of the color differences stimulus mixture, or subtractive color mixture.
calculated according to various equations. Such color differ- color notation, n—the symbols used in a systematic way to
ences cannot be accurately converted between different designate colors.
equations by the use of average factors. (1988)
color order system, n—a rational method or plan of ordering
colorfulness, n—see chromaticness(2). (1991a) and specifying all producible object or display colors, or all
color grading, n—the act of identifying a specimen by a color within a limited domain, by means of a set of physical
grade or color score, which is specific to the color and the standards selected and displayed so as to represent ad-
material graded. equately the whole set of such colors under consideration.
(1990)
colorimeter, n—see tristimulus colorimeter, visual colorim-
eter. color perception, n—subjective impression of color, as modi-
colorimetric purity, pc, n—the fraction of spectrally pure light fied by the conditions of observation and by mental inter-
in an additive mixture with reference achromatic (white) pretation of the stimulus object. (1987) [TAPPI]A
light to produce a color that matches that of the color
color preference, n—preference, within a specific application,
stimulus considered. (As a reference achromatic light, the
for one color over other related colors. (1988)
CIE recommends an equal energy source for self-luminous
DISCUSSION—Examples include preferred blue for sky or green for
bodies and illuminant D65 (daylight) for nonself-luminous grass in photographic color reproduction, and preferred white for bond
bodies.) [CIE]B paper.
colorimetric spectrometer, n—spectrometer that is capable of color rendering, n—effect of a light source on the color
producing spectral reflectance or transmittance data and appearances of objects compared to their color appearances
colorimetric data (such as tristimulus values and derived under a reference light source. (See also CIE color render-
coordinates) derived from the spectral data. See spectro- ing index.) (1988)
colorimeter.
DISCUSSION—Colorimetric spectrometers differ from UV-VIS ana- color scale, n—see Gardner color scale, petroleum color
lytical spectrometers by demanding more stability on the radiometric scale, platinum-cobalt color scale, Saybolt color.
C
scale but allowing more tolerance on the wavelength scale. (E2214) color solid, n—see color space. (1987)
color space, n—a geometric space, usually of three
colorimetry, n—the science of color measurement.
dimensions, in which colors are arranged systematically.
color match, n—(1) condition existing when colors match
color specification, n—notation or set of three color-scale
within a specified or agreed tolerance. Sometimes called
values used to designate a color in a specified color system.
commercial color match. (1988a)
Practical color specifications may include color tolerances as
DISCUSSION—Compliance with tolerances can be determined instru-
mentally or visually. If the test for compliance is visual, physical color well as target color designation. (1988)
tolerance standards may be used for reference.
color staining, n—the discoloration of a material by transfer of
(2) condition existing when colors are indistinguishable; colorant from another material. (D123)C
a normal observer is usually implied. Sometimes called an
exact color match. (1988a). color stimulus, n—a radiant flux capable of producing a color
perception. (1995)
color matching, n—procedure for providing, by selection,
formulation, adjustment, or other means, a trial color that is color stimulus function, φ(λ) , n—description of a color
indistinguishable from, or within specified tolerances of, a stimulus by the spectral concentration of a radiometric
specified standard color under specified conditions. (1988a) quantity, such as radiance or radiant power, as a function of
wavelength.
color-matching functions, n—the amounts, in any trichro- DISCUSSION—Compare with spectral power distribution. Unlike a
matic system, of the three reference color stimuli needed to spectral power distribution, a color stimulus function is specific to flux
match by an additive mixture monochromatic components of that is seen by the eye. [CIE]A
an equal energy spectrum.
DISCUSSION—Symbols for these functions are lower case letters, each
color temperature, n—of a source, the temperature, usually
with a bar above and followed by the Greek letter λ in parentheses; the expressed in kelvins, of a full radiator that would emit light
lower case letters corresponding to the capital letter symbols for the of the same chromaticity as the source. (See also correlated
reference color stimuli of the system; for example, r̄(λ), ḡ(λ), b̄(λ) in an color temperature, distribution temperature.) [CIE]B
RGB system, x̄(λ), ȳ(λ), z̄(λ), in the CIE 1931 XYZ colorimetric system,
and x̄10(λ), ȳ10(λ), z̄10(λ), in the CIE 1964 supplementary system which color tolerance, n—the permissible color difference between
is based on the 10° field of view. sample and specified color.

8
 E284 − 17
color tolerance set, n—a group of colored standards, usually DISCUSSION—Correlated color temperature extends the concept of
seven painted chips, arranged on a single card, one exhibit- color temperature to any source emitting light having a chromaticity
ing a desired color, and two each exhibiting the limits of the nearly, though not exactly, the same as the chromaticity of the light
emitted by a full radiator at some temperature.
permissible range of color variation in each of the color
attributes. crazing, n—a network of apparent fine cracks on or beneath
DISCUSSION—An example is one desired color, two limits on Munsell the surface of materials such as in transparent plastics,
value, two limits on Munsell hue, and two limits on Munsell chroma. glazed ceramics, glass, or clear coatings.
complementary color percepts, n—(1) pairs of color percepts, daylight illuminant, n—illuminant having the same, or nearly
one of which is induced by the other through simultaneous the same, relative spectral power distribution as a phase of
contrast; (2) pairs of color percepts, one of which is the daylight. (1987) [CIE]A
negative after-image of the other.
densitometer, n—instrument designed for measuring optical
complementary colors, n—color stimuli that produce a speci- density of a photographic negative or positive or a printed
fied achromatic stimulus when they are suitably mixed in an image. (1987) [TAPPI]A
additive manner.
densitometry, n—technique for measurement of optical den-
complementary color stimuli, n—pairs of color stimuli that, sity by use of a densitometer. (1988)
by additive mixture produce an achromatic stimulus.
density, n—see reflectance density, reflection density, trans-
complementary wavelength, n—the wavelength of a spec- mission density, or transmittance density.
trally pure light that when added to the light reflected or
transmitted by the specimen will produce a combination that detector, n—device to convert radiant energy into a neural
color matches a reference achromatic (white) light. signal (such as the eye) or an electrical signal (such as a
phototube, photomultiplier tube, photocell, photodiode, or
conspicuity, n—the characteristics of an object that determine the like). (1988)
the likelihood that it will come to the attention of an
observer. (1990) diagonal elements, n—in bispectral photometry, elements of a
bispectral matrix for which irradiation and viewing wave-
contrast, n—(1) objective, the degree of dissimilarity of a lengths are equal.
measured quantity such as luminance of two areas, ex-
pressed as a number computed by a specified formula. diagonal fluorescence, n—in bispectral photometry, the con-
DISCUSSION—The following formulas for the luminance contrast
tribution of fluorescence to diagonal values of a bispectral
between areas having luminance L1, and L2 (where L2 is the larger) radiance factor matrix, due to the finite range of actual
have been adopted by the CIE: irradiation and viewing wavelengths when nominal irradia-
tion and viewing wavelengths are equal (µ = λ).
L2 2 L1 L2 2 L1
Ca 5 , Cb 5 , C 5 L 2 /L 1 (3)
L1 ~ L 2 1L 1 ! /2 c dielectric, adj—pertaining to the appearance of those materials
The following formulas are also in use: for which the first surface reflectance is characteristic of the
L2 2 L1 L2 2 L1 illuminant; compare metal-like. (1995)
C d 5 L 2 2 L 1, C e 5 , CM 5 (4)
L2 L 2 1L 1
If the illumination of the areas of interest is uniform and constant, the diffuse, adj—in optical propagation, transmission or reflection
luminances are proportional to the reflectances (or transmittances) and of flux with diffusion.
these quantities may be used in place of luminances in these formulas.
The simple ratio, Cc = L2/L1, is usually used in ASTM standards. diffuse-coarseness, n—see preferred term graininess. (2013a)
(2) subjective, the degree of dissimilarity in appearance of diffuse reflectance, ρd, n—the ratio of the reflected flux to the
two parts of a field of view seen simultaneously or incident flux, where the reflection is at all angles within the
successively. [CIE]B hemisphere bounded by the plane of measurement except in
the direction of the specular reflection angle. (1992)
contrast gloss, n—see luster. DISCUSSION—The size of the specular reflection angle depends on the
contrast ratio, n—in paint and coatings, the ratio of the instrument and the measurement conditions used. For its precise
reflectance of a film on a black substrate to that of an definition the make and model of the instrument or the aperture angle
identical film on a white substrate. See opacity. (2007) or aperture solid angle of the specularly reflected beam should be
specified.
DISCUSSION—Opacity is the property of a film whereby it has the
ability to hide. This property is commonly assessed by the test of
diffuse reflectance factor, Rd, n—the ratio of the flux reflected
contrast ratio. The reflectances of the black and the white and the
weighting of reflectance at different wavelengths vary from application at all angles within the hemisphere bounded by the plane of
to application. (D2805)A, (D16)C measurement except in the direction of the specular reflec-
tion angle, to the flux reflected from the perfect reflecting
correlated color temperature, n—of a source, the diffuser under the same geometric and spectral conditions of
temperature, usually expressed in kelvins, of a full radiator measurement. (1992)
that would emit light of the chromaticity most closely DISCUSSION—The size of the specular reflection angle depends on the
resembling that of the light from the source. instrument and the measurement conditions used. For its precise

9
 E284 − 17
definition the make and model of the instrument or the aperture angle discrete bispectral radiance factor, B(µ,λ), n—the matrix
or aperture solid angle of the specularly reflected beam should be defined for specified irradiation and viewing bandpass
specified. functions, and viewing-wavelength sampling interval (∆λ) as
diffuse reflection, n—reflection in which flux is scattered in follows:
many directions by diffusion at or below the surface. See
B ~ µ,λ ! 5 b̄ λ ~ µ ! ·∆λ (5)
diffusion.
where:
diffuse transmission, n—transmission in which diffusion
occurs, independently, on a macroscopic scale, of the laws of b̄ λ ~ µ ! = the average bispectral radiance factor of the
refraction. [CIE]A specimen, as weighted by the specified irradiation
and viewing bandpass functions.
diffuse transmittance, Td, n—the ratio of the flux transmitted
by a specimen to the incident flux, the transmitted flux being distinctness-of-image gloss, n—aspect of gloss characterized
measured at all forward angles except the regular transmis- by the sharpness of images of objects produced by reflection
sion angle. (1992) at a surface.
DISCUSSION—The size of the regular transmission angle depends on
the instrument and the measurement conditions used. For its precise
distinctness of (reflected) image—see distinctness-of-image
definition the make and model of the instrument or the aperture angle gloss. (1989b)
or aperture solid angle of the regularly transmitted beam should be distortion, n—optical, a defect in an image-forming system
specified. whereby the image is not the shape of an ideal image of the
diffuser, n—device used to alter the spatial distribution of flux object. For example, a straight pole, viewed through a
by diffusion. [CIE]B window having nonplanar surfaces, may appear to have
bends in it.
diffusion, n—change of the angular distribution of a beam of
radiant flux by a transmitting material or a reflecting surface distribution temperature, n—of a source, temperature, usu-
such that flux incident in one direction is continuously ally expressed in kelvins, of the full radiator having a
distributed in many directions, the process not conforming relative spectral power distribution in the visible region
(on a macroscopic scale) to the laws of Fresnel (regular) approximately the same as that of the source.
reflection and refraction and there being no change in documentary standard, n—document, arrived at by open
frequency (wavelength) of the monochromatic components consensus procedures, specifying necessary details of a
of the flux. method of measurement, definitions of terms, or other
DIN color system, n—color order system developed for the practical matters to be standardized. (Compare physical
Deutsche Industrie Normung (German Standardization Insti- standard.)
tute) to provide equality of visual spacing of colors in
dominant wavelength, n—the wavelength of a spectrally pure
specified series, based on the attributes hue, saturation, and
light that, when added to a reference achromatic (white)
relative darkness degree. (1988)
light, will produce a combination that matches the color of a
directional, adj—(1) so designed that performance depends on specimen light.
direction or is restricted in direction; more effective in some
directions than others. (1988a) Donaldson radiance factor, D(µ,λ), n—in bispectral
(2) referring to a beam, beam in which the flux measured photometry, a special case of the discrete bispectral radiance
is confined to directions that differ moderately from the factor, for which the specified irradiation and viewing
centroid direction or axis of the beam. (E179) (1991b) bandpass functions are perfectly rectangular, with bandwidth
DISCUSSION—Moderately may be defined by specifying an appropri- equal to irradiation and viewing-wavelength sampling inter-
ate aperture angle. val.
DISCUSSION—The Donaldson radiance factor is approximately equal
directionality, n—(1) perceived, the degree to which the to the ratio of the specimen radiance within the rectangular waveband
appearance of a surface changes as the surface is rotated in of width ∆λ centered at λ to the radiance of the perfect reflecting
its own plane, under fixed conditions of illumination and diffuser when each is irradiated over the rectangular waveband of width
viewing. (1988a) ∆λ centered at µ.
(2)measured—(scattering indicatrix, azimuthally
efflorescence, n—a powdery (usually white) exudation on the
nonisotropic)—difference in pattern of near-aspecular and
surface of a specimen caused by precipitation or crystalliza-
semidiffusely scattered light, dependent upon the azimuthal
tion of soluble material that has migrated to the surface.
angles of the incident and viewing beams. (1987) [CIE]A
(D16)C
director, n—optical components, such as mirrors, lenses,
gratings, or other objects, such as ceilings or walls, that efflux, n—radiant flux reflected by a specimen or reflection
direct radiant flux from a source to a specimen to be standard, in the case of reflection observations or
observed or measured. measurements, or transmitted by a specimen or open sam-
DISCUSSION—A source and a director comprise an illuminator or pling aperture, in the case of transmission observations or
irradiator. In a measuring instrument, the director may be called the measurements, in the direction of the receiver. (2013)
“influx optics.” (E1767)

10
 E284 − 17
eggshell, adj—semimatte, having a texture resembling that of flat, adj—(1) of a coating material, a material that is capable of
the outer surface of the shell of a chicken egg. (1990) imparting a finish free of gloss. (1990)
(C242)C (2) of a surface finish, free of gloss. (1990)
electroluminescence, n—luminescence resulting from electri- flip—deprecated term, do not use. This term may have various
cal excitation. (See also luminescence.) meanings that are not clearly defined. (1995a)
entrance angle, β, n—in retroreflection, angle between the flop, n—a difference in appearance of a material viewed over
illumination axis and the retroreflector axis. (1991a) two widely different aspecular angles. (1995)
equal-energy illuminant, n—illuminant having the same spec- flop, adj—deprecated term; see far-aspecular. (2009)
tral power at all wavelengths in the specified spectral region.
(1987) [TAPPI]B flop angle, n—deprecated term; see far-aspecular angle.
(2009)
equal-energy source, n—a source having the same radiant
exitance in each constant wavelength interval in the spectral flop color, n—deprecated term; see far-aspecular color.
region under consideration. (2009)
excitation purity, pe, n—the ratio of the lengths of line flop contrast, n—a measure of the degree of dissimilarity in
segments NC to ND, obtained when a straight line is drawn appearance of a specimen when it is viewed at two widely
on the CIE chromaticity diagram from the achromatic different aspecular angles.
(neutral) point (N), through the point (C) representing the
color stimulus considered, to the intersection (D) with the flop index, n—a numerical scale of flop obtained by visual
spectrum locus or the straight boundary of nonspectral experiments. (1995)
colors, as the case may be. [CIE]B fluorescence, n—photoluminescence that ceases when excita-
exitance, M, n—flux leaving a surface per unit area. (1988) tion ceases.
DISCUSSION—The time delay between absorption and emission of
face, adj—deprecated term; see mid-aspecular. (2009) generally less than 10 nsec associated with fluorescence distinguishes it
from phosphorescence with its generally longer time delay. See
face angle, n—deprecated term; see mid-aspecular angle. photoluminescence and phosphorescence.
(2009)
fluorescent, adj—(1) exhibiting fluorescence.
face color, n—deprecated term; see mid-aspecular color. (2) of a source, having a primary radiant flux emitter that
(2006b) excites fluorescence in a phosphor to produce light.
fading, n—a change in color, usually to a lighter and less- DISCUSSION—The primary emitter is usually a mercury glow-
saturated color. discharge and the spectral lines typical of this emitter are usually
observed as components of the spectrum of such a source.
far-aspecular, adj—pertaining to the appearance of a material
when viewed from a direction far from the specular angle, fluorescent brightener, n—discouraged term for fluorescent
typically 70 degrees or more. (2006a) whitening agent.

far-aspecular angle, n—the aspecular angle when a material is fluorescent illuminant, n—illuminant representing the spec-
viewed from a direction far from the specular direction, tral distribution of the radiation from a specified type of
typically 70 degrees or more. (2006a) fluorescent lamp. (1988)

far-aspecular color, n—the color of a material when viewed fluorescent whitening agent, FWA, n—fluorescent dye or
from a specified direction far from the specular direction, pigment that absorbs near-ultraviolet radiant flux and re-
typically 70 degrees or more. (2006a) emits the power as visible light (violet-blue), thereby caus-
ing a whiter appearance when added to a yellowish-white
field, n—that portion of the surface of a specimen that is material.
illuminated by the illuminator or viewed by the receiver.
(1990) flux—see radiant flux, luminous flux.
FMC-2 color difference, n—color difference calculated by use
field stop, n—the physical diameter that limits the angular field
of the Friele-MacAdam-Chickering, Version 2, equations
of view of an optical system. (1988) [OSA]A
based on the MacAdam chromaticity-difference-
flake angle, n—in gonioapparent coatings, the angle sub- perceptibility ellipses and the Munsell value function. (1988)
tended at a point on a pigment flake by the pigment flake DISCUSSION—The equations do not directly incorporate opponent-
normal and the specimen normal line through that point. color terms, and their separation into red-green, yellow-blue, and
DISCUSSION—A flake angle is understood to be the smaller of the two lightness terms is at best a poor approximation.
supplementary angles defined by the pigment flake normal and the
specimen normal line. (2009)
footcandle, n—unit of illuminance equal to one lumen per
square foot.
flash, n—appearance of a material when viewed close to the DISCUSSION—The preferred unit of illuminance is the SI unit lux (one
angle at which it is lightest. (1995) lumen per square metre).

11
 E284 − 17
fractional reflectance, Rf, n—the ratio of the flux reflected gonioappearance, n—the phenomenon in which the appear-
from a specimen in a specified solid angle to that incident on ance of a specimen changes with change in illumination or
the specimen. (1991b) viewing angle.
DISCUSSION—Examples of gonioappearance are specimens of coat-
fractional transmittance, Tf, n—the ratio of the flux transmit- ings containing flake pigments.
ted through a specimen in a specified solid angle to the
incident flux. (1991b) goniochromatic match, n—match between a pair of speci-
mens that holds under all sets of angular illuminating-
Fresnel reflection, n—the process by which radiant flux is viewing conditions. (1995)
reflected from an optically smooth interface between two DISCUSSION—The specimens may or may not exhibit goniochroma-
dielectric media. tism and may or may not exhibit metamerism.
DISCUSSION—The reflectance depends on the angle of incidence, the
ratio of refractive indexes of the two media, and the state of polariza-
goniochromatism, n—change in any or all attributes of color
tion of the incident beam relative to the normal to the interface. of a specimen on change in angular illuminating-viewing
conditions but without change in light source or observer.
full radiator, n—a thermal radiator that completely absorbs all (1995)
incident radiant flux, whatever the wavelength, direction of DISCUSSION—Changes associated with first-surface specular reflec-
incidence, or polarization. tion are not understood to lead to goniochromatism.
DISCUSSION—This radiator has, for any wavelength, the maximum
spectral concentration of radiant exitance at a given temperature.
gonio-conditional match, n—two samples that match under
[CIE] B some but not all geometric conditions.

Gardner color scale, n—a color scale for clear, light-yellow goniometer, n—an instrument for measuring or setting angles.
fluids, defined by the chromaticities of glass standards (1991a) (E809)A
numbered from 1 for the lightest to 18 for the darkest. goniophotometer, n—instrument that measures flux as a func-
tion of angles of illumination or observation. (1990)
general indices of metamerism, n—see indices of metamerism
potential. (1991b) goniospectrophotometer, n—spectrophotometer having the
geometric metamerism, n—deprecated term; do not use. The capability of measuring with a variety of illuminating and
phenomenon it is used to describe does not conform to the viewing angles using bidirectional geometry; also known as
internationally accepted definitions of metamerism. Use multi-angle spectrophotometer. (1995)
gonioappearance.
graininess, n—for gonioapparent coatings, the perceived con-
glare, n—condition of vision in which there is discomfort or a trast of the light/dark irregular pattern exhibited when
reduction in ability to see details, objects, or both, caused by viewed under diffuse illumination, scale typically <100
an unsuitable distribution or range of luminance, or by micrometers. (2013)
extreme contrasts in space. (1988) [CIE]B DISCUSSION—Also referred to as diffuse coarseness.

glint, n—see preferred term sparkle. (2013a) halation, n—(1) the apparent increase in size of a primary or
glitter, n—the appearance attributable to brilliant reflection secondary light source due to scattering of light toward the
from many small, discrete reflecting elements. observer, the surround being significantly darker than the
light source. (1995a)
gloss, n—angular selectivity of reflectance, involving surface- (2) in retroreflection, the apparent increase in size of a
reflected light, responsible for the degree to which reflected retroreflector, viewed by directional illumination (for
highlights or images of objects may be seen as superimposed example, automobile headlights) in a dark surround. (1995a)
on a surface. (See also distinctness-of-image gloss, haze (in
reflection), luster, sheen, specular gloss.) hardcopy, n—self-sustaining image on a solid substrate. See
softcopy, print, and transparency.
gloss reflectance factor, RS, n—ratio of the specularly re- DISCUSSION—Examples include prints and transparencies. [ISO
flected part of the (whole) flux reflected from the specimen 3664:2000]C
to the flux reflected from a specified gloss standard under the
same geometric and spectral conditions of measurement. haze, n—in reflection,(1) scattering of light at the glossy
(1990) surface of a specimen responsible for the apparent reduction
in contrast of objects viewed by reflection at the surface.
DISCUSSION—The gloss standard may be a black glass or a mirror, and
may be assigned one of a variety of scale values as specified. (2) percent of reflected light scattered by a specimen
having a glossy surface so that its direction deviates more
gloss retention, n—portion of original gloss retained by a than a specified angle from the direction of specular reflec-
specimen after treatment such as aging or abrasion under tion. (3) cloudy appearance attributable to light scattering.
specified conditions, calculated by a specified equation.
(1988) haze, n—in transmission,(1) the scattering of light by a
specimen responsible for the apparent reduction in contrast
gonioapparent, adj—pertaining to change in appearance with of objects viewed through it. (D1003)B
change in illumination angle or viewing angle. (2) the percent of transmitted light that is scattered so that its

12
 E284 − 17
direction deviates more than a specified angle from the specimen, including the source, occasionally the monochro-
direction of the incident beam. (D883, D1003)B mator or spectral filters, a diffuser such as an integrating
sphere, if used, and associated optics. (1991)
Hazen color, n—see platinum-cobalt color scale.
hemispherical, adj—see hemispherical optical measuring illuminator plane, n—the plane containing the specimen
system. (1991) normal and the axis of the illuminator. (1995)
hemispherical optical measuring system, n—an optical mea-
suring system for measuring the reflecting or transmitting incandescence, n—the self-emission of radiant energy in the
properties of specimens, wherein either the specimen is visible spectrum due to the thermal excitation of atoms or
uniformly irradiated from all directions within the hemi- molecules. (1988) [IES]
sphere on one side of the specimen or the flux emanating incandescent illuminant, n—illuminant representing the spec-
from the specimen is evaluated uniformly for all directions tral distribution of radiation from an incandescent lamp of
within a hemisphere. specified color temperature. (1988)
hiding power, n—(1) the ability of a coating material to hide
index of refraction, n—the numerical expression of the ratio
the surface coated by producing a specified opacity.
of the velocity of light in a vacuum to the velocity of light in
(2) the area over which a specified volume of paint can be
a substance, at a specified wavelength. (1988a) (D1245)B
spread to produce a specified contrast, Cc, between areas
where the substrate is black and where it is white. (D2805)B indices of metamerism potential, n—indices indicating the
hue, n—the attribute of color perception by means of which a degree to which two metameric specimens may develop
color is judged to be red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, metamerism, derived solely from their different spectral
or intermediate between adjacent pairs of these, considered characteristics. (1991b)
in a closed ring (red and purple being an adjacent pair.) (See DISCUSSION—Such indices, sometimes misnamed general indices of
metamerism, provide no information about the specimens under any
also Munsell hue.) conditions of mismatch.
NOTE 1—Neutral colors are judged to have no hue. (D1535)A
infinite thickness, n—term applied to a layer of material so
Hunter color difference, n—color difference calculated by the thick that increasing its thickness does not change its
use of the Hunter equations, based on the opponent-color reflectance or other optical properties. (1987) [TAPPI]B
coordinates, L, a, b, applied to CIE 1931 tristimulus values
for CIE standard illuminant C, and by extension to the CIE influx, n—radiant flux received from the illuminator at a
1964 standard observer and other CIE standard illuminants. specimen, a reflection standard, or open sampling aperture.
(1988) (2013) (E1767)

hygrochromic, adj—known to change color when the moisture infrared, adj—referring to radiant flux having wavelengths
content or relative humidity varies. longer than the wavelengths of light, usually wavelengths
from about 780 nm to about 1 mm. (1991b)
ICI, n—trademarked abbreviation for Imperial Chemical In-
dustries. Do not use as the abbreviation for International integrating sphere, n—an optical device used either to collect
Commission on Illumination; see CIE. (1988) flux reflected or transmitted from a specimen into a hemi-
sphere or to provide isotropic irradiation of a specimen from
illuminance, E, Ev, n—luminous flux incident per unit of area. a complete hemisphere, consisting of an approximately
illuminant, n—radiant flux that may be specified by its spectral spherical cavity with apertures (ports) for admitting and
power distribution, and that can, in illuminating objects, detecting flux, and usually having additional apertures over
affect their perceived colors. which sample and reference specimens are placed and for
including or excluding the specularly reflected components.
illuminant metamerism, n—the property of specimens having (1988) (E903)B
different spectral characteristics and having the same color
when viewed by a normal observer under a given illuminant, intensity, Iv, Ie, n—flux per unit solid angle. (See also
but different colors when viewed under a different luminous intensity, radiant intensity.) (1990)
illuminant, other conditions remaining the same. (1991b)
interference filter, n—filter constructed of extremely thin
illuminant mode, n—color seen as ascribed to a source of alternate layers of high and low refractive-index material and
illumination. (1990) capable of transmitting narrow spectral bands formed by
constructive interference within the desired waveband and
illumination angle, n—see angle of illumination. (2009) destructive interference at other wavelengths. (1987)
illumination aperture, n—area of the specimen plane illumi- DISCUSSION—Filters of this type reflect rather than absorb flux not
nated by a device. See also sampling aperture. (2006a) transmitted. [TAPPI] B
[ISO 13655]C
internal absorptance, αi, n—ratio of the absorbed radiant or
illuminator, n—the portion of a radiometric or photometric luminous flux to the flux that has entered the first surface of
instrument that provides the illuminating beam on the the layer of material. [CIE]C

13
 E284 − 17
internal transmittance, τi, n—the ratio of flux reaching the lightfastness, n—the ability of a material to withstand color
exit surface of a specimen to the flux that penetrates the entry change on exposure to light.
surface.
lightfastness standards, n—see AATCC blue wool lightfast-
irradiance, E, Ee, n—the radiant flux incident per unit area. ness standards.
lightness, n—(1) the attribute of color perception by which a
ISCC-NBS color name, n—two- to four-word descriptive
non-self-luminous body is judged to reflect more or less
phrase for a surface color, such as “vivid orange” or “dark
light. (D1535)A
grayish reddish brown,” defined by sections of the Munsell
(2) the attribute by which a perceived color is judged to be
color solid. Developed cooperatively by the Inter-Society
equivalent to one of a series of grays ranging from black to
Color Council and the National Bureau of Standards. (1987)
white.
[TAPPI]B
(D16)B
isotropic diffuser—see Lambertian diffuser.
line reflector, n—reflector in the form of a line, the width of
just noticeable difference, n—see just perceptible difference.
which subtends a very small solid angle at the observer’s
just-perceptible difference, n—color difference that is just eye, so that the observer cannot readily distinguish its width.
large enough to be perceived in almost every trial. (1987) (1988)
[TAPPI]B
Lovibond color system, n—a system of color specification
Kubelka-Munk absorption coefficient, K, n—for a thin layer based on the optical densities of yellow, red, and blue filter
within an isotropic absorbing and scattering material over a glasses required to modify light from a standard source to
black backing, the limit as the layer thickness approaches obtain light matching some given light.
zero of the fraction of the incident radiation absorbed by the
layer, divided by its thickness. (1988) Lovibond tintometer, n—instrument for evaluating the colors
of materials by visual comparison with the colors of glasses
Kubelka-Munk scattering coefficient, S, n—for a thin layer of the Lovibond color system. (1987) [TAPPI]A
within an isotropic scattering and absorbing material over a
black backing, the limit as the layer thickness approaches lumen, lm, n—luminous flux emitted within one steradian by a
zero of the fraction of the incident radiation scattered point source having a spatially uniform luminous intensity of
(reflected) by the layer, divided by its thickness. (1988) 1 candela. SI unit of luminous flux.
Kubelka-Munk theory, n—phenomenological turbid-medium luminance, L, Lv, n—luminous flux in a beam, emanating from
theory relating the reflectance and transmittance of scatter- a surface, or falling on a surface, in a given direction, per
ing and absorbing materials to optical constants (Kubelka- unit of projected area of the surface as viewed from that
Munk absorption coeffıcient, Kubelka-Munk scattering coef- direction, per unit solid angle.
ficient) and the concentrations of their colorants. (1988)
DISCUSSION—The basis of virtually all computer-color-matching luminance coefficient, n—the luminance of a surface element
calculations. in the given direction divided by the illuminance on the
element. (2006b)
Lambert’s law, n—the intensity (flux per unit solid angle) DISCUSSION—The luminance coefficient differs from the bidirectional
emitted in any direction from a surface varies as the cosine scattering distribution function in that it does not specify that the
of the angle between the normal to the surface and the illumination must be unidirectional. A material may have different
direction of the emitted flux (also called Lambert’s cosine luminance coefficients depending on the illumination conditions (that
B
law). See Lambertian diffuser. (1988) (E491)B is, directional, spectral, and polarization distributions). [CIE 17.4]

Lambert’s (thickness) law, n—see Bouguer’s law. luminance factor, Y, n—ratio of the luminance of a specimen
Lambertian diffuser, n—ideal surface that reflects or transmits to that of a perfect diffuser, when illuminated and viewed
radiation completely in accordance with Lambert’s cosine under specified geometric conditions.
law. When illuminated from any direction, its radiance is the DISCUSSION—In the CIE 1931 system, this quantity is tristimulus
same for every direction of view. (1990) value Y. (1991a) For fluorescent media, the luminance factor is the sum
of two quantities, the reflection luminance factor YS and the fluores-
light, n—(1) electromagnetic radiant power that is visually cence luminance factor YF:
detectable by the normal human observer, radiant power Y 5 Y S 1Y F (6)
having wavelengths from about 380 nm to about 780 nm.
(1995) luminescence, n—emission of light ascribable to nonthermal
(2) radiant power evaluated with respect to wavelength excitation. (See also electroluminescence, chemical
according to the CIE spectral luminous efficiency function. luminescence, and photoluminescence.)
(1995)
luminosity function, n—see spectral luminous efficiency func-
light, adj—referring to the color of a non-self-luminous body, tion.
having a high luminous reflectance factor, as “light green” or luminous, adj—weighted according to the spectral luminous
“light gray.” efficiency function Vλ of the CIE. (1987) [TAPPI]B

14
 E284 − 17
luminous efficacy, KM, n—quotient of total luminous flux DISCUSSION—As a consequence of the required difference, the two
divided by total radiant flux; lumens per watt. KM = 683 specimens may not match under a different illuminator or to a different
lm/W. (1988) observer. Similar considerations apply to two lights matching to a
specified observer but not to other observers.
luminous flux, φ, φv—the time rate of flow of light energy;
luminous power. metamerism indices, n—see special indices of metamerism,
indices of metamerism potential. (1991b)
luminous intensity, I, Iv, n—the light flux per unit solid angle. metamers, n—(1) spectrally different objects or color stimuli
luster, n—the appearance characteristic of a surface that that have the same tristimulus values. (1988)
reflects more in some directions than it does in other (2) specimens differing in spectral reflectance but having
directions, but not of such high gloss as to form clear mirror colors that match in light of one spectral composition, when
images. (1995) (D123)C viewed by one observer, but may not match in light of other
spectral compositions, or when viewed by another observer.
lux, lx, n—illuminance corresponding to a luminous flux See also paramers. [CIE]B
density of one lumen per square metre. SI unit of
illuminance. [CIE]A microtexture, n—in glossy surface coatings, small undulations
or roughness that introduce perceptible local distortion in
MacAdam color difference, n—nonspecific term for color images of objects reflected by a surface.
difference calculated by using one of several equations and DISCUSSION—(1) Either substrate roughness or the flow-leveling
methods based on MacAdam’s color-difference- properties of a coating typically causes these undulation. (2) Typical
perceptibility ellipses or ellipsoids. (1988) spatial frequency is 1 to 10 cycles per mm. (3) This phenomenon is
DISCUSSION—The exact method of calculation must be specified; for sometimes referred to as short-term waviness.
example, see FMC-2 color difference.
microtexture, n—in surface coatings, undulations that intro-
MacAdam limits, n—see optimal colors. duce perceptible local distortion in images of objects re-
masstone, n—in paint technology, a pigment-vehicle mixture flected by a surface.
containing a single colorant only. (1988a) DISCUSSION—(1) Either substrate roughness of the flow-leveling
DISCUSSION—At times colorants are developed that contain more than properties of a coating typically causes these undulations. (2) Typical
one pigment, but that are tested and used as if they contained only a spatial frequency is 1 to 10 per mm. (3) This phenomenon is sometimes
single pigment. This definition is meant to include such colorants. referred to as short-term waviness.
match, n—see color match. (1991) mid-aspecular, adj—pertaining to viewing a specimen be-
match, v—to provide, by selection, formulation, adjustment, or tween the near-aspecular and far-aspecular angles at an
other means, a trial color that is indistinguishable from, or aspecular angle typically 45 degrees, but with a range of
within specified tolerances of, a specified standard color about 35 degrees to 50 degrees. (2013) See also face.
under specified conditions. (1991) (2006b)
matte, n—lacking luster or gloss. Synonymous with “flat” in
mid-aspecular angle, n—the aspecular angle where a speci-
paint terminology.
men is viewed between the near-aspecular and far-aspecular
memory color, n—color of an object that, according to the angles, at an aspecular angle close to 45 degrees. (2006a)
judgment of the observer, would match the color of another
mid-aspecular color, n—the color of a material when viewed
object previously seen by that observer. (1987) [TAPPI]A
between the near-aspcular and far-aspecular angles, typically
mesopic, adj—pertaining to vision at intermediate levels of at the mid-aspecular angle. (2006a)
illumination, at which both retinal cones and retinal rods are DISCUSSION—This term also applies when the illuminating and
stimulated. (1988) viewing angles are interchanged.

metallic, adj—pertaining to the appearance of a gonioapparent mixed reflection, n—partly specular and partly diffuse reflec-
material containing metal flakes. tion. (1988) [CIE]B
metal-like, adj—pertaining to the appearance of a bare metal. mixed transmission, n—a combination of diffuse and regular
metameric, adj—(1) pertaining to spectrally different objects transmission.
or color stimuli that have the same tristimulus values. (1988) modes, n—of appearance, various manners in which colors
(2) pertaining to objects, having different spectrophoto- can be perceived (see also aperture mode, illuminant
metric curves, that match when illuminated by at least one mode, object mode.)
specific spectral composition and observed by a specific
observer. (See also parameric.) (1988) [CIE]B[TAPPI]B monochromatic, adj—characterized by a single wavelength
or, by extension, by a small range of wavelengths that can be
metamerism, n—property of two specimens that match under described by stating a single wavelength. (1988) (E349)B
a specified illuminator and to a specified observer and whose
spectral reflectances or transmittances differ in the visible monochromator, n—a device for isolating a narrow band of
wavelengths. See also illuminant metamerism, observer wavelengths from a beam of radiation containing a broader
metamerism, paramerism. (1991b) range of wavelengths. (2004) (E135)B

15
 E284 − 17
mottle, n—a spotty nonuniformity of color appearance on a near-aspecular angle, n—the aspecular angle when a material
scale that is larger than the colorant particles, typically 1 to is viewed close to the specular direction, typically within
10 mm. 25°. (1995)

Munsell Book of Color, n—current Munsell Color Company near-aspecular color, n—color of a material when viewed at a
physical exemplification of the Munsell color order system, specified near-specular angle. (1995)
consisting of about 1600 color chips arranged in a cylindrical near-diagonal element, n—in bispectral photometry, off-
coordinate system of planes of constant Munsell hue on diagonal elements of an uncorrected bispectral matrix whose
which Munsell value is displayed vertically and Munsell values include a significant reflection component, due to
chroma horizontally. (1988) reflection overspill. For instruments with irradiation and
viewing bandpass functions which approximate the recom-
Munsell chroma, n—an attribute of color used in the Munsell
mended trapezoidal or triangular shape, this should be
color-order system to indicate the degree of departure of a
limited to within two to three bands of the diagonal.
color from a gray of the same Munsell value, in steps that are
visually approximately equal in magnitude. (D1535)A near-specular, adj—deprecated term; use near-aspecular.
(2006a)
Munsell color-order system, n—a system of specifying colors
of surfaces illuminated by daylight and viewed by an near-specular angle, n—deprecated term; use near-aspecular
observer adapted to daylight, in terms of three attributes: angle. (2006a)
hue, value, and chroma, using scales that are perceptually near-specular color, n—deprecated term; use near-aspecular
approximately uniform. color. (2006a)
Munsell hue, n—an attribute of color used in the Munsell neutral, adj—achromatic or without hue. (1987) [TAPPI]B
color-order system to indicate the hue of a specimen viewed
nonchromatic, adj—see achromatic.
in daylight. (D1535)A
nuance, n—a two-dimensional attribute that distinguishes
Munsell notation, n—(1) the Munsell hue (H), value (V), and among colors having the same hue. (1990).
chroma (C) assigned to the color of a specimen by visually object mode, n—color seen as ascribed to an object.
comparing the specimen to the chips in the Munsell Book of
Color. The numbers are customarily arranged in the expres- observation angle, n—angle between the axes of the incident
sion H V/C. beam and the observed (reflected) beam, (in retroreflection,
(2) a notation in the Munsell color system, derived from α, angle between the illumination axis and the observation
luminous reflectance Yand Chromaticity Coordinates x and y axis). (1991a)
in the 1931 CIE system for Standard Illuminant C, by the use observer metamerism, n—the property of specimens having
of scales defined by the Optical Society of America Sub- different spectral characteristics and having the same color
committee on the Spacing of the Munsell Colors. (1988) when viewed by one observer, but different colors when
(D1535)B viewed by a different observer under the same conditions.
Munsell value, n—an attribute of color used in the Munsell off-diagonal element, n—in bispectral photometry, any ele-
color-order system to indicate the lightness of a specimen ment of a bispectral matrix for which irradiation and viewing
viewed in daylight, on a scale extending from 0 for ideal wavelengths are not equal.
black to 10 for ideal white, in steps that are visually
approximately equal in magnitude. (D1535)A opacity, n—(1) optical, the ability of a specimen to prevent the
transmission of light; the reciprocal of the transmittance
Natural Color System, n—color order system based on factor.
resemblances of colors to up to four of six “elementary” (2) paper backing, the ability of a sheet of paper to hide a
colors red, yellow, green, blue, black, and white, in which surface behind and in contact with it, expressed as the ratio
the attributes of the colors are hue, chromaticness, and of the reflectance factor Rb when the sheet is backed by a
blackness. (1988) black surface to the reflectance factor R∞ when it is backed
by a pile of sheets of the same kind, and of such number that
NBS color difference, n—color difference calculated by use of further addition of sheets does not affect the measured
the Judd-Hunter National Bureau of Standards equations, opacity.
which are unique in including terms taking account of (1) the (3) white backing, the ability of a thin film or sheet of
masking effect of gloss on the detection of color differences material, such as paint or paper, to hide a surface behind and
and (2) the relative importance of chromaticness and light- in contact with it, expressed as the ratio of the reflectance
ness in a particular viewing arrangement, such as variation in factor Rb when the material is backed by a black surface to
the separation between the two specimens compared. (1988) the reflectance factor Rw when it is backed by a white surface
(usually having a reflectance factor of 0.89). (D16)C
near-aspecular, adj—pertaining to the appearance of a mate-
[ISO] [TAPPI]C
B
rial when viewed from a direction close to the specular
angle, typically within 25°. (1995) opacity (printing), n—see opacity(2) paper backing.

16
 E284 − 17
opaque, adj—transmitting no optical radiation. (1990) perfect reflecting diffuser—ideal reflecting surface that nei-
ther absorbs nor transmits light, but reflects diffusely, with
opponent-color scales, n—scales that denote one color by
the radiance of the reflecting surface being the same for all
positive scale values, the neutral axis by zero value, and an
reflecting angles, regardless of the angular distribution of the
approximately complementary color by negative scale val-
incident light. (1990)
ues. Common examples include scales that are positive in
the red direction and negative in the green direction (CIE a*, perfect transmitting diffuser, n—ideal transmitting specimen
Hunter a) and scales that are positive in the yellow direction that neither absorbs nor reflects light, but transmits diffusely,
and negative in the blue direction (CIE b*, Hunter b). (1988) with the radiance of the specimen being the same for all
transmitting angles, regardless of the angular distribution of
optical brightener, n—discouraged term for fluorescent whit- the incident light. (1990)
ening agent.
petroleum color scale, n—a color scale for petroleum
optical density, n—see reflectance density, reflection density, products, defined by 16 glass standards of specified lumi-
transmission density, transmittance density. nous transmittance and chromaticity, graduated in steps of
optimal colors, n—object colors having the maximum possible 0.5 from 0.5 for the lightest color to 8.0 for the darkest.
luminance factor for each chromaticity. (1988)
phosphorescence, n—photoluminescence that continues after
orange peel, n—the appearance of irregularity of a surface excitation ceases.
resembling the skin of an orange. (C242, C286)C DISCUSSION—Phosphorescence is distinguished from fluorescence by
a time delay generally greater than 10 nsec. Phosphorescence should
OSA-UCS color system, n—Optical Society of America
not be confused with luminescence due to radioactivity. See photolu-
Uniform Color Scales color order system based on equality minescence and fluorescence.
of visual spacing, which uses the opponent-color scales 6L
(lightness), 6j (yellowness-blueness), and 6g (greenness- photocell, photodetector, photodiode, phototube, n—see detec-
redness). (1988) tor.
photochromism, n—a reversible change in color of a speci-
OSA-UCS samples, n—current Optical Society of America men due to exposure to light (or other radiant flux) without
physical exemplification of the OSA-UCS color system, appreciable heating of the specimen.
consisting of about 550 samples displayed on a face-
centered-cubic lattice such that each interior sample has 12 photoluminescence, n—luminescence produced by the ab-
nearest neighbors at equal intervals from it. (1988) sorption of radiant flux; distinguished from ordinary reflec-
tion by a time delay and, usually, a shift toward longer
Ostwald color system, n—color order system in which colors wavelengths. See fluorescence and phosphorescence.
are specified in terms of the attributes hue, blackness, and
whiteness, and are spaced according to the results of photometer, n—an instrument for measuring light.
spinning-disk mixing of specified amounts of ideal black, photometric, adj—pertaining to measurement of quantities in
white, and maximally chromatic samples. (1988) which radiation is evaluated according to the spectral lumi-
parameric, adj—pertaining to specimens having different nous efficiency function V(λ). (1990)
spectrophotometric curves that produce approximately the DISCUSSION—While this definition is basic, the root word is widely
same color sensation under the same illuminating and used loosely to mean pertaining to radiant quantities, as in spectro-
viewing conditions. (See also metameric.) (1989b) photometric and related terms. [CIE]C

paramerism, n—phenomenon in which specimens having photometry, n—the measurement of quantities associated with
different spectrophotometric curves produce approximately light, that is, radiation evaluated according to its visual
the same color sensation under the same illuminating and effect, by weighting with the CIE spectral luminous effi-
viewing conditions. (See also metamerism.) (1989b) ciency function V(λ). (1988) (E349)B

paramers, n—specimens having different spectrophotometric photopic, adj—(1) pertaining to vision at sufficiently high
curves that produce approximately the same color sensation levels of illumination that only the retinal cones are stimu-
under the same illuminating and viewing conditions. (See lated. (1988)
also metamers.) (1989b) (2) pertaining to detectors with spectral responsivity
weighted according to the CIE spectral luminous efficiency
passband, n—a contiguous band of wavelengths in which at function V(λ). (1988)
least a fraction of the incident light is selectively transmitted
by a light-modulating device or medium. (2006) physical standard, n—stable specimen having a value of a
physical quantity assigned by accurate measurements under
pearlescent, adj—exhibiting various colors depending on the specified conditions, usually in a standards laboratory.
angles of illumination and viewing, as observed in mother-
of-pearl. (1995a) Planckian locus, n—locus in a chromaticity diagram that
represents the chromaticities of the radiation of Planckian
percept, n—the result of the process of perception. (1995) radiators at different temperatures. (1987) [CIE]A
perception, n—see visual perception. (1995) Planckian radiator, n—see full radiator.

17
 E284 − 17
plane, adj—having a flat, smooth surface with no significant psychophysics, n—the study of the functions relating the
variations such as elevations or depressions. (1993) physical measurements of stimuli and the sensations and
perceptions the stimuli evoke.
platinum-cobalt color scale, n—a color scale for clear, light-
yellow liquids, defined by specified dilutions of a platinum- purity, n—see colorimetric purity, excitation purity.
cobalt stock solution, ranging from 5 for the lightest color to radiance, L, Le, n—radiant flux in a beam, emanating from a
500 for the darkest. surface, or falling on a surface, in a given direction, per unit
DISCUSSION—(The scale has been extended to 2000 for some pur- of projected area of the surface as viewed from that
poses.) direction, per unit of solid angle.
point reflector, n—reflector subtending a very small solid radiance factor, β, βe, n—ratio of the radiance from a point on
angle at the observer’s eye, so that the observer cannot a specimen, in a given direction, to that from the perfect
readily distinguish its size or shape. (1988) reflecting or transmitting diffuser, similarly irradiated and
port, n—an opening or aperture in an integrating sphere. viewed. (1988)
(1988) DISCUSSION—For fluorescent media, the radiance factor is the sum of
two quantities, the reflection radiance factor βS and the fluorescence
precision, n—the closeness of agreement between test results radiance factor βF : βe = βS + βF. [CIE Publication 17.4, 1987.]
obtained under prescribed conditions. See also
radiant, adj—pertaining to electromagnetic radiation, with the
repeatability, reproducibility. (1993)
DISCUSSION—Precision is the random component of accuracy.
contributions at all wavelengths weighted equally. (1988)

primary color stimuli, n—three selected colored lights used to radiant energy, n—energy transmitted as electromagnetic
specify the color of any light presented by the amounts of the radiation. (E135)A
three that must be mixed additively to produce light match- radiant exposure, n—time integral of the irradiance at a given
ing the light presented. point over a specified time interval. (1989b) [CIE]B
DISCUSSION—Any three colored lights may serve as primaries pro-
vided no one of them can be matched by a mixture of the other two. To radiant flux, Φ, n—the time rate of flow of radiant energy;
achieve the maximum gamut of colors by additive mixture, saturated radiant power.
red, green, and blue primaries are commonly used.
radiant intensity, I, Ie, n—the radiant flux per unit solid angle.
primary colorants, n—a small number of colorants (dyes or
pigments) that may be mixed subtractively to produce a large radiometric, adj—pertaining to measurement of quantities
gamut of colors. associated with radiant energy. (1990) [CIE]C
DISCUSSION—The most common primary colorants are yellow, ma-
genta (purplish red), and cyan (greenish blue) in color. radiometry, n—measurement of quantities associated with
radiation. (1988) (E349)A
primary light source, n—surface of an object emitting light
produced by a transformation of energy. (1987) [CIE]A receiver, n—the portion of a photometric instrument that
receives the viewing beam from the specimen, including a
primary standard, n—a physical standard calibrated by an collector such as an integrating sphere, if used, often the
absolute method. monochromator or spectral filters, the detector, and associ-
DISCUSSION—An absolute method of measurement is a method in ated optics and electronics. (1988a)
which the magnitude of a physical quantity is derived, in a simple way,
from measurements of length, mass, time, or other basic physical receiver plane, n—the plane containing the specimen normal
quantities and from the constants in the accepted theoretical relation- and the axis of the receiver. (1995)
ships among the quantities involved.
receptor, n—see receiver.
print, n—in still photography, printing, and digital imaging, an
image, usually on paper, to be viewed by reflected light. reference standard, n—a physical standard used to calibrate a
DISCUSSION—This sense of the term is commonly used to distinguish group of laboratory standards.
the image so defined from a transparency; see transparency.
reflectance, ρ, n—ratio of the reflected radiant or luminous flux
Photographic, graphic arts, and digital printing process are also used to
make transparencies, and that is what they are usually called. In to the incident flux in the given conditions. (1989b)
motion-picture technology, reproductions of original negatives or DISCUSSION—The term reflectance is often used in a general sense or
transparencies are called “prints,” even though they are intended for as an abbreviation for reflectance factor. Such usage may be assumed
viewing or reproduction by transmitted light, and those distributed for unless the above definition is specifically required by the context.
showing are called “distribution prints.” [ISO 3664:2000]C [CIE]A
product standard, n—material having a color designated as reflectance density, Dρ, n—the negative logarithm to base ten
standard for a specified product. (1990) of the reflectance. [ANSI PH2.36]A
propagance, n—ratio of propagated flux to incident flux; a reflectance factor, n—ratio of the flux reflected from the
general term that includes the results of reflection, specimen to the flux reflected from the perfect reflecting
transmission, and similar effects that modify the flux in a diffuser under the same geometric and spectral conditions of
beam. (1988) measurement. (1988) [CIE]B

18
 E284 − 17
reflection, n—of radiant energy, the process by which radiant reproducibility, n—the closeness of agreement between the
energy is returned from a material or object. See also diffuse results of successive measurements of the same test
reflection, mixed reflection, specular reflection. specimen, or of test specimens taken at random from a
homogeneous supply, but changing conditions such as
reflection density, DR, n—the negative logarithm to base ten operator, measuring instrument, laboratory, or time. The
of the reflectance factor. [ANSI PH2.36]A changes in conditions must be specified. See also repeat-
reflection overspill, n—in bispectral photometry, the contri- ability. (1993)
bution of reflection to off-diagonal values of the discrete responsivity, s, n—quotient of the output of a detector Y by its
bispectral radiance factor matrix, due to the partial overlap input X: s = Y ⁄X. (See also spectral responsivity.) (1990)
of irradiation and viewing wavebands when nominal irradia- [CIE]B
tion and viewing wavelengths are not equal (µ ≠ λ).
retroreflection, n—reflection in which the reflected rays are
reflectivity, ρ∞, R∞—the reflectance of a material represented preferentially returned in directions close to the opposite of
by a specimen so thick that further increase in thickness does the direction of the incident rays, this property being
not significantly change the reflectance. (1987) maintained over wide variations of the direction of the
reflectometer, n—instrument for the measurement of quanti- incident rays. (1990) [CIE, 1982]B
ties pertaining to reflection. (1988) (E349)A retroreflectivity, n—property of a material or device in which,
when directionally irradiated, the reflected rays are prefer-
reflectometry, n—technique for measurement of reflectance or
entially returned in directions close to the opposite of the
reflectance factor. (1987) [TAPPI]A
direction of the incident rays, this property being maintained
reflector, n—see area reflector, line reflector, point reflector. over wide variations in the direction of the incident rays.
refraction, n—change in the direction of propagation of (1993)
radiation determined by change in the velocity of propaga- retroreflector, n—a reflecting surface or device from which,
tion in passing from one medium to another. (1988) (E349)A when directionally irradiated, the reflected rays are prefer-
regular, adj—denoting flux reflected or transmitted without entially returned in directions close to the opposite of the
diffusion in accordance with the laws of optics. (1988) direction of the incident rays, this property being maintained
DISCUSSION—The adjective specular is usually restricted to regular over wide variations of the direction of the incident rays.
reflection at the specular angle. (1990) [CIE, 1982]B

regular reflection, n—see the preferred term, specular reflec- retroreflector axis, n—a designated line segment from the
tion. retroreflector center that is used to describe the angular
regular transmission, n—transmission without diffusion. position of the retroreflector. (1988) (E808)B
[CIE]A retroreflector center, n—a point on or near a retroreflector that
regular transmittance, τr, n—ratio of undiffused transmitted is designated to be the center of the device for the purpose of
flux to incident flux. specifying its performance. (1988) (E808)B
rotation angle, ε, n—angle indicating the orientation of the
regular transmittance factor, Tr, n—the ratio of the flux
specimen when it is rotated about a selected axis fixed in it
transmitted by a specimen and evaluated by a receiver to the
(for plane specimens, usually the specimen normal); in
flux passing through the same optical system and evaluated
retroreflection, angle indicating orientation after rotation
by the receiver when the specimen is removed from the
about the retroreflector axis. (1990) (E808)C
system.
DISCUSSION—In some cases, this quantity is practically identical to sample, n—a small part or portion of a material or product
the transmittance, but it may differ considerably. It exceeds unity if the intended to be representative of the whole.
system is such that the specimen causes more light to reach the receiver
than would in its absence. sampling aperture, n—area of the specimen plane from which
light rays can reach the detector. (2006b)
related color, n—color perceived to belong to an area seen in
relation to other colors. (1991b) [CIE, 1987]A saturation, s, n—(1)in the CIE 1976 L*, u*, v* system, the
quotient of the CIE 1976 u, v, chroma C*uv by the CIE 1976
repeatability, n—the closeness of agreement between the lightness L*, s = C*uv/L*. (1990)
results of successive measurements of the same test (2) attribute of a visual sensation that permits a judgment
specimen, or of test specimens taken at random from a to be made of the proportion of pure chromatic color in the
homogeneous supply, carried out on a single laboratory, by total sensation. (See also chroma (3).) (1990) [CIE, 1970]A
the same method of measurement, operator, and measuring
instrument, with repetition over a specified period of time. Saunderson correction, n—mathematical expression relating,
See also reproducibility. (1993) in turbid medium theory, the fluxes on opposite sides of a
DISCUSSION—With specification of the time periods involved, this boundary at which there is a change in refractive index.
definition is applicable to both short-term and long-term repeatability. (1991b)
(1994) DISCUSSION—Used in computer color matching calculations.

19
 E284 − 17
Saybolt color, n—an empirical definition of the color of a clear Snell’s law, n—the product of the sine of the angle of refraction
petroleum liquid based on a scale of −16 (darkest) to +30 by the refractive index of the refracting medium is equal to
(lightest). the product of the sine of the angle of incidence by the index
DISCUSSION—The number is derived by finding the height of a of refraction of the medium containing the incident beam.
column of liquid sample which is visually just lighter than the (1988) [OSA]A
appropriate one of three glass standards and referring to Table 1 of Test
Method D156. softcopy, n—non-self-sustaining image. See hardcopy.
DISCUSSION—A common example is an image displayed on a
scale, n—a defined arrangement of the elements of a set of computer monitor, but optical projection of a photographic transpar-
stimuli or responses. ency may also be described as producing a softcopy. [ISO
scale, v—to assess the content of one or more appearance 3664:2000]C
attributes in the members of a set of stimuli. solid-color, adj—not containing flake or gonioapparent pig-
scattering, n—the process by which light or other electromag- ments.
netic radiant flux passing through matter is redirected over a source, n—an object that produces light or other radiant flux,
range of angles. or the spectral power distribution of that light. (See also
scattering tinting strength, n—relative change in the scatter- standard source, CIE standard sourceA, CIE standard
ing properties of a standard black material (with no scatter- sourceB, CIE standard sourceC.)
ing colorant present) when a specified amount of a white or sparkle, n—the aspect of the appearance of a material that
chromatic scattering colorant is added to it. (1988a) seems to emit or reveal tiny bright points of light that are
DISCUSSION—See the Discussion to masstone.
strikingly brighter than their immediate surround and are
scotopic, adj—pertaining to vision at sufficiently low levels of made more apparent when a minimum of one of the
illumination that only the retinal rods are stimulated. (1988) contributors (observer, specimen, light source) is moved.
(2013a)
secondary light source, n—surface or object that is not DISCUSSION—Sparkle is perceived under intense directional illumina-
self-emitting but receives light and re-directs it, at least in tion only.
part, by reflection or transmission. (1987) [CIE]A
sparkle-area, n—the area segment of the illuminated portion
shade, n—(1) a color produced by a dye or pigment mixture of an object surface with spots that are strikingly brighter
including black dye or pigment. See also shade,v; tint, n; than their immediate surround. (2013b)
tint, v.
(2) an expression of color difference from a reference sparkle-intensity, n—the contrast between the appearance
dyeing such that another dye must be added to produce a highlights on the particles of a gonioapparent pigment and
match. their immediate surround. (2013a)
(3) a color slightly different from a reference color. spatial appearance, n—those attributes of appearance that
DISCUSSION—“Shade” is the most overworked of the terms used to
have a spatial component including texture, graininess,
describe colors and color differences in terms of colorant technology,
sometimes even being used as a general synonym for “color.” sparkle, etc. (2013a)
DISCUSSION—For fabrics the spatial dimension is usually <10 mm, for
shade, v—to adjust the color of a test specimen to be a closer painted materials the spatial dimension is usually <1mm.
color match to the standard. See also shade, n; tint, v;
special indices of metamerism, n—indices of degree of
tint, n. (1990)
metamerism associated with specific changes in illuminating
shade sorting, n—process of grouping together, often by or viewing conditions, such as change of illuminant or
instrumental measurement, similarly colored materials so change of observer. (1991b)
that the materials within each group may be used together in
a finished product without perceived color variation. (1990) specific luminance, n—see coefficient of retroreflected lumi-
nance.
sharpness, n—a perceived quality of an image that is associ- specimen, n—a piece or portion of a sample used to make a
ated with the abruptness of change of tone at the edge of an test.
object area or tonal area.
DISCUSSION—“Acutance” is the objective measurement of edge specimen normal, n—see surface normal. (1991b).
quality that correlates with sharpness. spectral, adj—(1) modifying a quantity, descriptor that the
quantity is a function of wavelength; (2) for radiometric
sheen, n—the specular gloss at a large angle of incidence for an
quantities, pertaining to monochromatic radiant energy at a
otherwise matte specimen.
specified wavelength or, by extension, to radiant energy
DISCUSSION—(The usual angle for measurement is 85°.) (1988)
within a narrow wavelength band about a specified
side-tone, n—appearance at the flop angle. (1995) wavelength. (E349)B
side-tone scattering, n—scattering of light in a material spectral bandwidth, ∆λ, n—the wavelength interval, ∆λ, of
resulting in a milky appearance only when the specimen is radiant energy leaving the exit slit of a monochromator
viewed at the flop angle. measured at half the peak detected power. (1990) (E131)B

20
 E284 − 17
spectral characteristic, n—the reflectance, reflectance factor, spectrophotometry, n—quantitative measurement of reflec-
transmittance, or transmittance factor as a function of tion or transmission properties as a function of wavelength.
wavelength, used to characterize a specimen. (See also abridged spectrophotometry.)
spectral efficiency factor, b(µ), n—in bispectral photometry, spectroradiometer, n—a spectrometer for measuring emitted
the ratio of the total (integrated spectral) radiance from a optical radiant power. (1992)
point on a specimen when irradiated at wavelength µ to the
spectrum, n—the spatial arrangement of components of radi-
total radiance of the perfectly reflecting diffuser identically
ant power in order of wavelength.
irradiated and viewed.
b ~ µ ! 5 L ~ µ ! /L ~ µ ! d (7) spectrum locus, n—the locus of points on a chromaticity
diagram representing chromaticities of monochromatic
spectral luminous efficiency function, V(λ), n—the relative lights of various wavelengths.
effectiveness of radiant power to stimulate the perception of
light by the normal human observer, as a function of specular, adj—pertaining to flux reflected from the surface of
wavelength: the function adopted as standard by the CIE. an object, without diffusion, at the specular angle. (1988)

spectral power distribution, SPD, S(λ), n—specification of an specular angle, n—the angle of reflection equal and opposite
illuminant by the spectral composition of a radiometric to the angle of incidence. (1995)
DISCUSSION—In gonioapparent phenomena, this definition assumes
quantity, such as radiance or radiant flux, as a function of
an illuminator subtending a small angle.
wavelength.
DISCUSSION—Compare with color stimulus function. Unlike a color specular gloss, n—(1) ratio of flux reflected in specular
stimulus function, a spectral power distribution may include invisible direction to incident flux for a specified angle of incidence
flux that interacts with an object to produce visible flux or otherwise and source and receptor angular apertures.
influence its appearance. (2) perceived surface brightness associated with the lu-
spectral responsivity, s(λ), n—of a detector, quotient of the minous specular (regular) reflection of a surface. (1988)
detector output by the monochromatic input as a function of [CIE]B
wavelength. [CIE]B specular reflection, n—reflection without diffusion, in accor-
spectrocolorimeter, n—spectrometer, one component of dance with the laws of optical reflection, as in a mirror.
which is a dispersive element (such as a prism, grating, or standard, n—see documentary standard, physical standard,
interference filter or wedge or tunable or discrete series of primary standard, product standard, reference standard,
monochromatic sources) that is normally capable of produc- transfer standard, verification standard, working stan-
ing as output only colorimetric data (such as tristimulus dard.
values and derived coordinates) but not the underlying standard deviation, n—the most usual measure of the disper-
spectral data from which colorimetric data are derived. See sion of observed values or results, expressed as the positive
colorimetric spectrometer. (E1164)B square root of the sum of the squared deviations from the
spectrogoniophotometer, n—goniophotometer having the ca- sample average, divided by the degrees of freedom, usually
pability of measuring as a function of wavelength; see the n−1, where n is the number of observed values. (1993)
preferred term, goniospectrophotometer. (1995) standard illuminant, n—a luminous flux, specified by its
spectrograph, n—a spectrometer for optical radiation mea- spectral distribution, meeting specifications adopted by a
surements in which the receiver system detects radiant standardizing organization. (See, for example, CIE stan-
power simultaneously at many points across the spectral dard illuminantA, CIE standard illuminantB, CIE stan-
region of interest, for example by use of a photographic dard illuminantC, CIE standard illuminantD65.) (1990)
medium or an array-type photometric detector. (1992) standardize, v—to adjust instrument output to correspond to a
previously established calibration using one or more homo-
spectrometer, n—an instrument for measuring a specified
geneous specimens or reference materials. (See calibrate,
property as a function of a spectral variable. In optical
verify). (1993)
radiation measurements, the spectral variable is wavelength
DISCUSSION—As defined here, standardization is normally carried out
or wavenumber and the measured property is (or is related by an instrument user.
to) absorbed, emitted, reflected, or transmitted radiant
power. See spectrograph, spectrophotometer, spectrora- standard observer, n—an ideal observer having visual re-
diometer. (1992) sponse described by the CIE color-matching functions. (See
also CIE 1931 standard observer, CIE 1964 supplemen-
spectrophotometer, n—a reflectance or transmittance tary standard observer.) (1990)
spectrometer, utilizing either a bidirectional or a hemispheri-
cal optical measuring system. (2017) standard source, n—a source of radiant flux meeting specifi-
DISCUSSION—The suffix photometer derives from the time the light cations adopted by a standardizing organization. (See also
transducer used was the human eye. It is now almost always superseded CIE standard source A, CIE standard source B, CIE
by an optoelectronic receiver system. standard source C.) (1990)

21
 E284 − 17
stimulus, n—any action or condition that has the potential for transfer standard, n—a physical standard used to transfer a
evoking a response. calibration from one instrument to another, usually from a
reference instrument in a standards laboratory to an instru-
stop, n—any window or diaphragm that restricts the passage of ment in the field.
light rays in an optical device. (See also aperture stop, field
stop.) (1987) [TAPPI]A translucency, n—the property of a specimen by which it
transmits light diffusely without permitting a clear view of
strength, n—dyer’s, the color quality that increases with an
objects beyond the specimen and not in contact with it.
increase in the amount of dye present, other conditions
remaining constant. (See also tinting strength.) translucent, adj—transmitting light diffusely, but not permit-
subtractive color mixture, n—mixture of absorbing media or ting a clear view of objects beyond the specimen and not in
superposition of filters so that the spectral composition of contact with it.
light passing through the combination is determined by transmission, n—of radiant energy, the process whereby
simultaneous or successive absorption. (1987) [TAPPI]A radiant energy passes through a material or object. (See also
subtractive primaries, n—see primary colorants. diffuse transmission, mixed transmission, regular trans-
surface color, n—color perceived as belonging to the surface mission.)
of a specimen, without the specimen appearing to be transmission density, DT, n—the negative logarithm to base
self-luminous. (1988) ten of the transmittance factor. [ANSI PH2.36]A
surface normal, n—the direction normal or perpendicular to
transmittance, τ, n—the ratio of transmitted flux to incident
the surface of a plane specimen. (1991a)
flux, under specified geometric and spectral conditions. (See
surround, n—portion of the visual field immediately around also diffuse transmittance, internal transmittance, regu-
the object or light source of interest. See ambient field. lar transmittance, total transmittance.)
[TAPPI]B
transmittance density, Dt, n—the negative logarithm to base
texture, n—the visible structure depending on the size and ten of the transmittance. [ANSI PH2.36]A
organization of small constituent parts of a material;
typically, the surface structure of a woven fabric, or subsur- transmittance factor, T, n—ratio of the flux transmitted by the
face structure of a gonioapparent material. (2013a) (C460)C specimen to the flux transmitted by the perfect transmitting
diffuser under the same geometric and spectral conditions of
thermochromism, n—a change in color with temperature measurement. (1990)
change.
transparency, n—(1) the degree of regular transmission, thus
tint, n—a color produced by the mixture of white pigment or the property of a material by which objects may be seen
paint with a chromatic pigment or paint. (See also tint, v, clearly through a sheet of it.
shade, n, shade, v.) (2) an image on a sheet, intended to be viewed or
DISCUSSION—A tint of a chromatic color is, therefore, lighter and less reproduced by light transmitted through it.
saturated than the chromatic color. (D16)B
transparency illuminator, n—a device to permit viewing a
tint, v—to adjust the color of a test specimen to be a closer transparency by diffusely illuminating it from the back.
color match to the standard. (See also tint, n; shade, vt;
shade, n.) (1991) transparent, adj—transmitting radiant energy without diffu-
sion. (1990)
tinting strength, n—measure of the effectiveness with which
unit quantity of a colorant alters the color of a material. travel, n—a change in appearance of a material as it is viewed
(1988) over a wide range of aspecular angles. (1995)
DISCUSSION—For scattering and absorbing colorants, both scattering
and absorption tinting strength must be specified. (See absorption trichromatic system, n—system for specifying color stimuli in
tinting strength, scattering tinting strength). terms of tristimulus values based on matching colors by
total reflectance, ρ, n—the ratio to the incident flux of the additive mixture of three suitably chosen reference color
radiant or luminous flux reflected at all angles within the stimuli. (1987) [CIE]A
hemisphere bounded by the plane of measurement. (1991a) tristimulus colorimeter, n—instrument that measures psycho-
total reflectance factor, n—the ratio of the radiant or luminous physical color, in terms of tristimulus values, by the use of
flux, reflected at all angles within the hemisphere bounded filters to convert the relative spectral power distribution of
by the plane of the specimen, to the flux reflected from the the illuminator to that of a standard illuminant, and to
perfect reflecting diffuser under the same geometric and convert the relative spectral responsivity of the receiver to
spectral conditions of measurement. (1990b) the responsivities prescribed for a standard observer. (1989)
DISCUSSION—In some instruments, the filters may be combined into
total transmittance, τt, n—the ratio of the flux transmitted at one set placed in the receiver; in such cases, caution should be observed
all forward angles to the incidence flux. when measuring fluorescent specimens. (1990)

22
 E284 − 17
tristimulus values—the amounts of three specified stimuli veiling reflection, n—the reflection of light by an image-
required to match a color. (See also CIE spectral tristimu- bearing surface, that reduces the apparent contrast of the
lus values.) image.
DISCUSSION—In the CIE system, they are assigned the symbols X, Y, DISCUSSION—The amount of veiling reflection depends on the reflec-
and Z. tion properties of the surface and on the intensity and direction of the
illumination. Common examples are overhead light reflected by a
tristimulus weighting factors, S x̄, S ȳ, S z̄, n—factors glossy printed page and window light reflected by a computer monitor
obtained from products of the spectral power S of an or television screen. This effect is also called veiling glare.
illuminant and the spectral color matching functions x̄, ȳ, z̄ of 1. Worthy, James A., “Effect of Veiling Reflections on Vision of
an observer, usually tabulated at wavelength intervals of 10 Colored Objects,” J. Illuminating Engineering Society, Summer 1989,
or 20 nm, used to compute tristimulus values by multiplica- p. 10-15.
2. Worthy, James A., “Geometry and Amplitude of Veiling
tion by the spectral reflectance, transmittance, or radiance (or
Reflections,” J. Illuminating Engineering Society, Winter 1989, p.
the corresponding factors) and summation. (1991a) 49-62.
DISCUSSION—Proper account should be taken of the spectral band
width of the measuring instrument, and normalization may be required. venetian-blind effect, n—in surface coatings, uniform change
in an appearance attribute such as lightness as a
turbidity, n—reduction of transparency of a specimen due to
directionally-illuminated specimen is rotated in its own
the presence of particulate matter. (D1129)B(D1889)B
plane.
ultraviolet, adj—referring to radiant flux having wavelengths DISCUSSION—The venetian-blind effect is thought to result from
shorter than the visible wavelengths about 10 to 380 nm. preferential orientation of flakes within a specimen, as may occur in the
process of spraying paint on a vertical surface in the earth’s gravita-
(1991)
tional field.
ultraviolet-activated fluorescence, n—fluorescence resulting verification standard, n—calibrated physical standard used to
from the absorption of ultraviolet radiant flux, that is, flux verify the accuracy of calibration of measurement scales,
with wavelengths shorter than 380 nm. (See also visible- operating characteristics, or systems responses of color-
activated fluorescence). measuring instruments. (1991)
uncertainty, n—an indication of the variability associated with verify, v—to assess the overall reliability and accuracy of an
a measured value that takes into account two major compo- instrument or method of measurement by use of material
nents: (1) bias and (2) the imprecision of the sampling and standards for which the measurable quantities have accepted
measurement process. (2006b) [E456]B values. See verification standard. (1993)
uniform-chromaticity-scale diagram, n—chromaticity dia- vignetting, n—loss of light rays at stops of an optical
gram on which all pairs of just-perceptibly different colors of instrument, other than the aperture stop.
equal luminance are represented by pairs of points separated
by nearly equal distances. (1995) [TAPPI]B viewing angle, n—in retroreflection, (1) the angle between the
retroreflector axis and the observation axis (1993) and (2)
uniform color space, n—schematic arrangement of colors in angle between the normal to the surface of the specimen and
space in which spatial intervals between points correspond to the axis of the receiver. (See also angle of view.) (2013)
visual differences between colors represented by those (E808)A
points. (1987) [TAPPI]A
viewing conditions, n—the conditions under which a visual
uniform diffuser, n—see Lambertian diffuser. observation is made, including the angular subtense of the
uniplanar, adj—descriptor for illuminating and viewing geom- specimen at the eye, the geometric relationship of source,
etry in which the axes of the illuminator and the receiver and specimen, and eye, the photometric and spectral character of
the normal to the specimen surface are in the same plane; the source, the photometric and spectral character of the field
thus directional illumination or viewing is provided by one of view surrounding the specimen, and the state of adapta-
beam, or by two beams spaced 180° apart in azimuth. The tion of the eye.
number and angular distribution of the beams should be
virtual metamer, n—set of spectral radiance factors, not based
specified. (1988a) (E1164)A
on physical samples, which provide a metameric match for a
unique hue, n—perceived hue that cannot be described by a specific illuminant-observer combination.
hue name other than its own. (1992) DISCUSSION—Virtual metamers are used to test and classify illumi-
DISCUSSION—There are four unique hues: red, green, yellow, and nation sources that simulate daylight according to the method provided
blue. [CIE]A in CIE Publication No. 51. This classification is accomplished by
calculating the average of the color differences obtained for these
unitary hue, n—see unique hue. metamers between the illumination source in question and a CIE
unrelated color, n—color perceived to belong to an area seen standard illuminant. Although it may be possible to construct physical
in isolation from other colors. (1991b) [CIE, 1987]A realizations of some virtual metamers, the fact that they need not be real
allows greater flexibility in their design. [ISO 3664:2000]B
unsharp, adj—lacking in sharpness (as applied to an image).
visible, adj—pertaining to that portion of the electromagnetic
(2006)
spectrum to which the eye is sensitive, approximately 380 to
value, n—see Munsell value. 780 nm in wavelength. (1991)

23
 E284 − 17
visible-activated fluorescence, n—fluorescence resulting from 5. Specialized Terminology on Gonioapparent
the absorption of visible radiant flux, that is, flux with Phenomena
wavelengths 380 to 780 nm. (See also ultra-violet-activated 5.1 Delimiting Phrase—When a term in the specialized
fluorescence.) terminology of gonioapparent phenomena is used out of
visibility, n—the properties and behavior of light waves and context but with the meaning assigned in this specialized
objects interacting in the environment to produce light vocabulary, editorially insert a generic delimiting phrase such
signals capable of evoking visual sensation. (1989) (F923)A as “in gonioapparent phenomena,” or the equivalent, after the
dash preceding the definition, to properly delimit the field of
visibility distance, n—the greatest distance at which an object application of the term to that defined in the specialized
can be seen. terminology.
visual colorimeter, n—an instrument, using the eye as 5.1.1 List of Terms:
detector, that measures color stimuli produced by mixing one angle of illumination goniochromatic match
angle of incidence goniochromatism
or more of at least three primary colors. (1989) angle of reflection gonio-conditional match
angle of view goniometer
visual perception, n—the visual experience resulting from annular goniophotometer
stimulation of the retina and the resulting activity of associ- anormal goniospectrophotometer
ated neural systems. (1994) anormal angle illuminator
aperture angle illuminator plane
wavelength, λ, n—of an electromagnetic wave, the distance in aperture solid angle luster
aspecular metallic
the direction of propagation between nearest points at which aspecular angle metal-like
the electric vector has the same phase. (See also comple- azimuthal angle mid-aspecular
mentary wavelength, dominant wavelength.) (1990) azimuthal viewing mid aspecular angle
(deprecated term) mid-aspecular color
DISCUSSION—The wavelength unit generally used in spectrophotom- bidirectional mottle
etry related to colorimetry is the nanometer (nm). Unless otherwise bidirectional scattering near-aspecular
stated, values of wavelength are generally those in air. distribution function near-aspecular angle
bronzing near-aspecular color
Weber’s law, n—the just-perceptible increment of a stimulus is bronzy color near-specular
an approximately constant fraction of the stimulus magni- chatoyance (deprecated term)
color angle near-specular angle
tude over a wide range. (1995) [OSA]B circumferential (deprecated term)
detector near-specular color
whiteness, n—attribute of color perception by which an object dielectric (deprecated term)
color is judged to approach the preferred white. (1995) directionality observation angle
face pearlescent
(D1695)B(E313) A face angle receiver plane
face color rotation angle
whiteness index, n—a number, computed by a given procedure far-aspecular side-tone
from colorimetric data, that indicates the degree of departure far-aspecular angle side-tone scattering
of an object color from a preferred white. (1990) (E313)A far-aspecular color solid-color
flash sparkle
working standard, n—an instrument standard or laboratory flip (deprecated term) specimen normal
flop, adj spectrometer
standard in routine use. flop angle spectrogoniophotometer
flop color spectrophotometer
yellowness, n—attribute of color perception by which an object flop contrast specular
color is judged to depart from colorless or a preferred white flop index specular angle
geometric metamerism specular reflection
toward yellow. (1995) (deprecated term) travel
DISCUSSION—Negative values of yellowness denote blueness. glitter uniplanar
(E313)A gonioapparent venetian-blind effect
gonioappearance
yellowness index, n—a number, computed by a given proce-
dure from colorimetric or spectrophotometric data, that 6. Keywords
indicates the degree of departure of an object color from 6.1 appearance; definitions; gonioapparent phenomena; ter-
colorless, or from a preferred white, toward yellow. (E313)B minology

24
 E284 − 17
REFERENCES

(1) Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam Company, (6) Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English
Springfield, MA, latest edition. Language, G. & C. Merriam Company, Springfield, MA, latest
(2) The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Clarendon Press, Oxford, edition.
England. (7) The Random House Dictionary of the English Language, Random
(3) Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage (CIE), Publication CIE No. House, New York, latest edition.
17, International Lighting Vocabulary, 3rd ed., 1970; 4th ed., 1987, (8) Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage (CIE), Publication CIE No.
Central Bureau of the CIE, Vienna. 38, Radiometric and Photometric Characteristics of Materials and
(4) ANSI/IES RP-16-1986, American National Standard, Nomenclature Their Measurement, Central Bureau of the CIE, Vienna, 1977.
and Definitions for Illuminating Engineering, American National (9) ISO, International Organization for Standardization(ISO), 1 rue de
Standards Institute, Inc., and Illuminating Engineering Society of Varembé, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland.
North America, New York, 1987. (10) OSA, Optical Society of America, 2010 Massachusetts Ave., NW,
(5) Leland, J., Johnson, N., and Arecchi, A., “Principles of Bispectral Washington, DC 20036–1023.
Fluorescence Colorimetry,”Photometric Engineering of Sources and (11) TAPPI, Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry
Systems, Angelo V. Arecchi, Editor, Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 3140, (TAPPI), P.O. Box 105113, Atlanta, GA 30348; 15 Technology
76–87 (1997). Parkway South, Norcross, GA 30092.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee E12 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (E284–13b)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved May 1, 2017.)

(1) Revised the definition for spectrophotometer.

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