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Gracious Word: Eigengrau

6/19/2014

 
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Word every Gracious Individual should know: Eigengrau

Definition: Eigengrau; German; noun
1. 'Dark light' or 'brain grey'; the color seen by the eye in perfect darkness. 

Why I love this word:
Eigengrau is a term for that dark grey color your eyes see when you are in a room completely absent of light. I think it's incredibly interesting that in complete darkness, our eyes see not the blackest of blacks, but a grey. A light is always being searched for. 

The scientific research behind this word is caused by visual noise in the retinas that produce random events indistinguishable from those triggered by real photons. Because contrast is more important to our eyes than absolute brightness, pure darkness actually looks a smidge lighter than say a really dark night sky against a bright star.

Photograph by Kathrin Koschitzki


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    Gracious Words

    With the Word of the Day and the Monthly Book Club, this page is for the intellectual reader or for anyone who wants to improve their vocabulary.

    As intellectuals, having a remarkable vocabulary speaks measures. Knowing the right words sharpens communication skills and opens minds to help express ourselves better whether in our personal or professional lives. Practice these Words of the Day and join in on the conversation. 


    Unless indicated ©Mariya Dondonyan, most photos on this page are works of other photographers. I believe in giving credit where credit is due, so every post recognizes the source where the photographs were found. If at anytime you see work that is improperly recognized, please send me a quick note and I will update the information. 
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