The word "stilbs" is a rare term that refers to an obsolete unit of measure for length equal to two fathoms or about 12 feet. Its phonetic transcription is / stɪl(b)z /, with the "b" in parentheses indicating that its presence or absence is optional. The spelling "stilbs" stems from its original Greek word "stilbos," which means "brightness," used in reference to the brightness of a star. Despite its archaic nature, the word "stilbs" occasionally appears in nautical and historical literatures.
The term "stilbs" refers to a unit of luminance equal to one candela per square meter (cd/m²). It is utilized in optics and photometry to measure the intensity of light emitted or reflected from a surface. The stilb is a non-SI (International System of Units) unit and is mainly employed in the field of illumination.
Luminance is a fundamental aspect of light perception, as it quantifies the brightness or intensity of light that reaches the observer's eye. A stilb is equivalent to the brightness of a surface that emits or reflects light uniformly at a rate of one candela per square meter. This means that if a surface has a luminance of one stilb, each square meter of that surface emits or reflects light with an intensity of one candela.
The stilb is often used when discussing or evaluating lighting systems, such as LED panels, displays, or projectors. It helps professionals in the field to assess and compare the luminous output and quality of different light sources or surface reflections. By utilizing the stilb as a unit of measurement, scientists, engineers, and designers can precisely determine the visual impact and effectiveness of various lighting arrangements, aiding in the creation of optimal lighting conditions for various applications, including photography, cinematography, or general ambiance creation. Although the stilb is not part of the SI system, it continues to be utilized as a practical unit of measurement in the realm of lighting and illumination.
The word "stilbs" has an interesting etymology. It ultimately derives from the Greek word "stilbos", meaning "shining" or "glistening". This Greek word was borrowed in the early 19th century to coin the term "stilbs" in English.
In ancient Greece, the word "stilbos" was used as an adjective to describe something that reflects or shines brightly, particularly in relation to metals. Over time, it came to be associated with the concept of height and elevation, probably due to the reflective properties of towering objects.
In the realm of measurement, the term "stilb" was introduced by the German physicist Johann Heinrich Lambert in the 18th century. Lambert used it to refer to a unit of luminance or brightness.