Non-radiant
Describing something that does not emit or radiate light, heat, energy, or other forms of radiation. This can apply to physical objects, substances, or even metaphorical concepts. It signifies the absence of active emission, implying a passive state where energy is not actively being released. Things described as non-radiant may still reflect or absorb energy from external sources but do not generate it themselves. This term is often used in scientific and technical contexts.
Non-radiant meaning with examples
- The moon, lacking its own light source, appears non-radiant in the night sky, reflecting the sun's rays. The cold, dark side of the planet would be considered a non-radiant environment. This illustrates that the non-radiant moon is a passive entity.
- A perfectly insulated container would prevent any heat from radiating outward, keeping its contents in a non-radiant state. The temperature remains stable and the container does not expel any heat energy on its own, being non-radiant and a good protector.
- In a physics experiment, a material chosen for its non-radiant properties would be used to absorb radiation from an external source. This creates an effective way to study the material properties without any emission interfering. The material would remain non-radiant, keeping the experimental setup focused.
- Compared to a glowing ember, a piece of coal before combustion is non-radiant, remaining dark until the chemical reaction begins. It holds potential energy but emits none until activated by an external ignition, and this is what makes it non-radiant at its core.