exposure

Pronunciation key ( ik-spō′zhẽr )

ex•po•sure

n.

[< expose, after enclosure etc].

1. In various senses, the act or instance of exposing or condition of being exposed, especially to natural elements.
2. A position on a compass and climatic or weather conditions. For instance, a location of something in relation to natural elements like the sun and wind in relation to a house's location, such being western exposure.
3. Abandonment without benefit of shelter or food.
4. Photography.
   • Subjecting sensitized photographic film or plate to the action of actinic rays.
   • Sensitized surface or segment of a film or plate utilized to make one picture.
   • The amount of time and radiant energy needed to expose such a surface of the film or plate.

References

Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955

The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985