verb Uncommon

emit

ee-MIHT

Emit (verb) means to send out or release something, such as light, sound, heat, or a substance. Example: “The old radiator emits a faint clicking noise when it heats up.”

verb

To send out or release something, such as light, sound, heat, or a substance.

"The old radiator emits a faint clicking noise when it heats up."

"The volcano emitted a thick cloud of ash."

In computing, to produce or output specific code or instructions when a program runs or compiles.

"The compiler emits optimized machine code for the target processor."

How to use emit

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo give off or release something, like light, heat, sound, or gas.

Common pairings

emit light emit a sound emit fumes emit heat

Word forms

emitted past tense, emits singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The old radiator _____ a faint clicking noise when it heats up.

Etymology

From Latin emittere, "to send out" — a combination of ex- ("out") and mittere ("to send").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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effuse give off give out output outsend put forth shed send forth

Antonyms

absorb consume swallow take in

Related words

down clear include production learn eat drink receive

Rhymes for emit

remit

See all rhymes for emit →

Frequently asked questions

What does “emit” mean?

The word “emit” means to send out or release something, such as light, sound, heat, or a substance. In plain terms, to give off or release something, like light, heat, sound, or gas.

How do you pronounce “emit”?

“Emit” is pronounced ee-MIHT (/iˈmɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “emit” in a sentence?

Here is “emit” used in a sentence: “The old radiator emits a faint clicking noise when it heats up.”

What is another word for “emit”?

Words with a similar meaning to “emit” include effuse, give off, give out, output, outsend and put forth.

What is the opposite of “emit”?

The opposite of “emit” — its antonyms — are absorb, consume, swallow and take in.

What part of speech is “emit”?

“Emit” is a verb.

Where does the word “emit” come from?

The word “emit” comes from Latin. From Latin emittere, "to send out" — a combination of ex- ("out") and mittere ("to send").

Is “emit” a common word?

“Emit” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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