noun

lumen

LOO-muhn

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Lumen (noun) means the standard unit for measuring the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. Example: “The torch is rated at 800 lumens.”

noun

The standard unit for measuring the total amount of visible light emitted by a source.

"The torch is rated at 800 lumens."

The hollow space inside a tube or tubular body part, such as a blood vessel or needle.

"Plaque had narrowed the lumen of the artery."

How to use lumen

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA measure of brightness, or (in anatomy) the open channel running through a tube-shaped structure.

Common pairings

800 lumens lumen output narrowed lumen

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: lumens, lumina

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The torch is rated at 800 _____.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin lumen, "light" or "opening." It was first adopted as a scientific unit of light by the French physicist André Blondel in 1894.

Origin: Latin · First attested 1894

Class of 1894 lumen joined the language around 1894.

Kinsey svengali

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Synonyms

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Related words

Rhymes for lumen

rumen acumen

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Frequently asked questions

What does “lumen” mean?

The word “lumen” means the standard unit for measuring the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. In plain terms, a measure of brightness, or (in anatomy) the open channel running through a tube-shaped structure.

How do you pronounce “lumen”?

“Lumen” is pronounced LOO-muhn (/ˈlumən/ in IPA).

How do you use “lumen” in a sentence?

Here is “lumen” used in a sentence: “The torch is rated at 800 lumens.”

What part of speech is “lumen”?

“Lumen” is a noun.

Where does the word “lumen” come from?

The word “lumen” dates back to around 1894 and comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin lumen, "light" or "opening." It was first adopted as a scientific unit of light by the French physicist André Blondel in 1894.

How many meanings does “lumen” have?

“Lumen” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the standard unit for measuring the total amount of visible light emitted by a source.