point source
Idealized light origin
A point source is an origin of energy, light, pollution, or other emission that radiates from a single identifiable location.
In physics, light from a point source spreads in all directions from one spot.
In environmental contexts, a point source of pollution—like a factory pipe or smokestack—contrasts with diffuse sources like agricultural runoff: The EPA regulates point source discharges into waterways.
Introduction of impurities
- outfallDrainage discharge point
- effluentDischarged liquid waste
- dischargeRelease of substance outward
- seepageSlow fluid escape
leakage · spill · groundwater · hotspot · remediation · cleanup · containment · monitoring
Concentrated light device
- spotlightConcentrated illumination source
- beamStructural support member
- flashlightPortable electric lamp
- headlampForward-facing vehicle light
searchlight · bulb · LED · incandescent · halogen · torch · floodlight · lantern
contamination
Introduction of impurities
seepage · leakage · spill · groundwater · hotspot · remediation · cleanup · containment · monitoring · sampling
radiate
Send forth rays
spew · eject · expel · vent · diffuse · spray · emanate · propagate · disperse · scatter
laser
Concentrated light device
- spotlightConcentrated illumination source
- beamStructural support member
- flashlightPortable electric lamp
headlamp · searchlight · bulb · LED · incandescent · halogen · torch · floodlight · lantern · lamp