Light_Vocabulary

=Retrofit: refers to the addition of new technology or features to older systems.= = = =Alabaster: genuine alabaster is a very fine variety of crystalline gypsum (hydrous calcium sulfate) found in nature. It is translucent and its color is often white, pearly, or silky colorless but it, more often than not, has subtle reddish-brown bands of iron oxide running through it.= = = =Baffle: in lighting this is usually a grooved surface that deflects and controls the “flow” of light to soften it and minimize reflected glare.= = = = = =Ballast: an electrical device used with fluorescent and HID (high intensity discharge) lamps (light bulbs) to supply sufficient voltage to start and operate the lamp but then to limit the current during operation= = = =Bollard: an outdoor luminaire that is a short (usually about 2-4 feet in height) but very sturdy vertical post with the light source located at or near the top. Bollards are typically used to light walkways in commercial settings.= = = = = =Circline: a type of fluorescent lamp that is made up of a circular tube of glass; when placed in a light fixture the ballast that powers this type of lamp is usually located in the center of the circline lamp= = = =Luminaire: a light fixture. This should not be confused with the term, luminary, which is a small open paper bag, sometimes with a design on it, containing a lit votive candle set in sand. Luminaries are often used to line outdoor walkways to provide a festive mood to a setting and a certain level of safety. In Mexico and the southwest USA, the terms, luminary and luminaries, become luminaria and luminarias. The term, luminary, can also refer to a person who has attained eminence in his/her field or is an inspiration to others.= = = =Snoot: a protruding hollow cone of opaque material that provides a high cut-off angle for certain types of track fixtures, landscape lights, or spotlights. A snoot focuses light into a small area and is often used in art gallery lighting, landscape lighting, or theater lighting.= = = =Torchiere: a tall floor lamp that provides indirect lighting with its light source located within a reflecting bowl that directs the light upward, which then reflects off the ceiling= = = =Wall Grazing: a lighting term that refers to the dramatic highlight and shadow effects on uneven surfaces such as draperies, stone, and brick. Grazing creates easily distinguishable high and low levels of light on the irregular surface.=