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Sunlight
Sunlight is a portion of the electromagnetic radiation given off by the Sun, in particular infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light. On Earth, sunlight is filtered through Earth’s atmosphere, and is obvious as daylight when the Sun is above the horizon. When the direct solar radiation is not blocked by clouds, it is experienced as sunshine, a combination of bright light and radiant heat. When it is blocked by clouds or reflects off other objects, it is experienced as diffused light. The World Meteorological Organization uses the term “sunshine duration” to mean the cumulative time during which an area receives direct irradiance from the Sun of at least 120 watts per square meter. Other sources indicate an “Average over the entire earth” of “164 Watts per square meter over a 24 hour day”.The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight has both positive and negative health effects, as it is both a requisite for vitamin D3 synthesis and a mutagen.
Sunlight takes about 8.3 minutes to reach Earth from the surface of the Sun. A photon starting at the center of the Sun and changing direction every time it encounters a charged particle would take between 10,000 and 170,000 years to get to the surface.Sunlight is a key factor in photosynthesis, the process used by plants and other autotrophic organisms to convert light energy, normally from the Sun, into chemical energy that can be used to synthesize carbohydrates and to fuel the organisms’ activities.
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Sunshine
Sunlight is a portion of the electromagnetic radiation given off by the Sun, in particular infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light. On Earth, sunlight is filtered through Earth’s atmosphere, and is obvious as daylight when the Sun is above the horizon. When the direct solar radiation is not blocked by clouds, it is experienced as sunshine, a combination of bright light and radiant heat. When it is blocked by clouds or reflects off other objects, it is experienced as diffused light. The World Meteorological Organization uses the term “sunshine duration” to mean the cumulative time during which an area receives direct irradiance from the Sun of at least 120 watts per square meter. Other sources indicate an “Average over the entire earth” of “164 Watts per square meter over a 24 hour day”.The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight has both positive and negative health effects, as it is both a principal source of vitamin D3 and a mutagen.
Sunlight takes about 8.3 minutes to reach Earth from the surface of the Sun. A photon starting at the center of the Sun and changing direction every time it encounters a charged particle would take between 10,000 and 170,000 years to get to the surface.Sunlight is a key factor in photosynthesis, the process used by plants and other autotrophic organisms to convert light energy, normally from the Sun, into chemical energy that can be used to synthesize carbohydrates and to fuel the organisms’ activities.
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Sunlight (noun)
All the electromagnetic radiation given off by the Sun, especially that in the visible spectrum that bathes the Earth.
“Sunlight on the skin gives you vitamin D.”
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Sunlight (noun)
Brightness, hope; a positive outlook.
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Sunlight (noun)
synonym of sunrise
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Sunlight (verb)
To work on the side (at a secondary job) during the daytime.
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Sunshine (noun)
The direct rays, light or warmth of the sun.Webster’s College Dictionary, Random House, 2001
“We were warmed by the bright sunshine.”
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Sunshine (noun)
A location on which the sun’s rays fall.
“We moved out of the shade and into the sunshine.”
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Sunshine (noun)
Geniality or cheerfulness.
“I enjoyed the sunshine of her smile.”
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Sunshine (noun)
A source of cheerfulness or joy.
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Sunshine (noun)
The effect which the sun has when it lights and warms some place.
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Sunshine (noun)
Friendly form of address often reserved for juniors.
“Alright sunshine, safe to cross now.”
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Sunshine (noun)
Ironic form of address used to an inferior or troublemaker.
“OK, sunshine, listen up and listen good. There’s five vandalised telephone boxes out there and I know you’re responsible.”
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Sunshine (noun)
Used to address someone who has just woken up and/or is very sleepy.
“Good morning, sunshine!”
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Sunshine (adjective)
Open to and permitting public access, especially with regard to activities that were previously closed-door or back-room meetings.
“Because of the sunshine law, we could go to the planning meeting.”
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Sunlight (noun)
light from the sun
“a shaft of sunlight”