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DictionaryemitGive off
verb

emit

ee-MIT/iˈmɪt/

Send out or release something.

The desk lamp emits warm light onto the book.

A glowing desk lamp emits a warm cone of light onto a book in a dark-edged vignette.
Etymology
eLatinout
+mitLatinto send

The pieces mean “send out.” Emitting light, heat, sound, or gas treats it as something sent forth from its source.

In context

PBS Terra7:38
they emit a lot of greenhouse gases and harmful air pollution
We Saw What AI Data Centers Don't Want You to See

More examples

  • The machine emits a low hum while running.
  • The flowers emit a strong scent at night.
  • The test measures the gases emitted by the engine.

Forms

emit · emits · emitted · emitting

emission noun — something sent out or released

Similar words

release
Can mean letting something escape rather than actively sending it out.
discharge
Discharge sends material or energy out; emit often describes a source continually giving off light, sound, or gas.