Lorentzian

adjective

Lo·​rentz·​ian
(ˌ)lōˈrentsēən,
(ˌ)lȯˈ-
: of, relating to, or being a function that relates the intensity of radiation emitted by an atom at a given frequency to the peak radiation intensity, that gives the distribution of the frequencies emitted, that resembles a normal curve but builds up and drops off more gradually, and that has the form I(ν) = I0 (γ/2π) / ((ν - ν0)2 + (γ/2)2) where I is the radiation intensity, ν is the frequency, I0 is the peak intensity, γ is the width of the distribution, and ν0 is the frequency of peak intensity

Word History

Etymology

H.A. Lorentz + English -ian

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Lorentzian

Cite this Entry

“Lorentzian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Lorentzian. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!