dark adaptation

noun

: the process including dilation of the pupil, increase in sensitivity of the retinal rods, and regeneration of rhodopsin by which the eye adapts to conditions of reduced illumination

dark-adapted

ˌdärk-ə-ˈdap-təd

adjective

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of dark adaptation was in 1897

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Dark adaptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dark%20adaptation. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

dark adaptation

noun

ˌdärk-

: the phenomena including dilation of the pupil, increase in retinal sensitivity, shift of the region of maximum luminosity toward the blue, and regeneration of rhodopsin by which the eye adapts to conditions of reduced illumination compare light adaptation

dark-adapted

ˈdärk-ə-ˌdap-təd

adjective