dark adaptation

See synonyms for dark adaptation on Thesaurus.com
nounOphthalmology.
  1. the reflex adaptation of the eye to dim light, consisting of a dilatation of the pupil and an increase in the number of functioning rods accompanied by a decrease in the number of functioning cones (opposed to light adaptation).

Origin of dark adaptation

1
First recorded in 1905–10

Other words from dark adaptation

  • dark-a·dapt·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use dark adaptation in a sentence

  • To come now to the sense of sight, we have light adaptation, dark adaptation, and color adaptation.

    Psychology | Robert S. Woodworth
  • dark adaptation is equivalent to sensitizing the retina for faint light.

    Psychology | Robert S. Woodworth