oriency

Etymology

From orient + -cy.

Why this word is great

ORIENCY — [Noun] The radiant brightness or striking strength of a color. From orient ("bright, shining") + -cy (noun-forming suffix denoting quality or state). Unlike "luminosity" (which measures light emitted) or "saturation" (which quantifies purity of hue), oriency is the visceral impact of color—how it seizes the eye. It is the electric jolt of a kingfisher’s plumage against river mud, the molten glow of a tangerine at dusk, or the impossible blue of a freshly cracked glacier. Color does not whisper here; it sings. And in that song, a reminder: the world is not merely seen, but felt.

noun

  1. Brightness or strength of colour.“So our Lord Chrift having ſet down ſeveral qualifications of a Chriſtin […] ſets the magnificent crown of reward upon them, that by this oriency, he might the more ſet forth their unparallel'd beauty, and entice holy love.”