Kokonaisväri

Kokonaisväri is a Finnish term that translates to "total color" or "overall color." It refers to the perceived hue of a material or object when all its spectral components are considered, rather than focusing on a single dominant wavelength. This concept is important in fields such as color science, materials science, and art.

In practice, kokonaisväri takes into account not only the light reflected or transmitted by an object at different wavelengths but also the spectral distribution of the light source illuminating it and the characteristics of the observer's visual system. For example, a white paper under a yellowish light might appear to have a slightly yellowish kokonaisväri, even though its intrinsic spectral reflectance is uniform across the visible spectrum.

Understanding kokonaisväri is crucial for accurate color reproduction, whether in printing, digital displays, or industrial applications. It helps explain why colors can appear different under varying lighting conditions and why achieving consistent color perception across different environments can be challenging. The term emphasizes a holistic approach to color, moving beyond simplified descriptions of color to a more comprehensive understanding of its physical and perceptual aspects.