# albedo

/ælbˈiːdəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/albedo
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

the share of light that a surface reflects instead of absorbing. White ice has high albedo, while dark rock has low albedo.

For teachers: the fraction of incoming light or radiation reflected by a surface, usually given as a number between 0 and 1 or as a percentage. Determined by colour, texture and angle of illumination.

## Examples

- Fresh snow has a high albedo.
- The climate model includes the albedo of sea ice, which reflects far more sunlight than dark ocean water.
- As polar ice retreats, falling albedo allows the ocean to absorb more solar energy, accelerating warming in a self-reinforcing feedback loop.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.