strobes

[/stroʊbz/]
nounpl: strobes
estroboscópios, luzes estroboscópicas
1. Plural of strobe; devices that produce rapid flashing light effects, commonly used in photography, stage lighting, or visual effects
The DJ used strobes to create an intense lighting effect during the concert.
O DJ usou estroboscópios para criar um efeito de iluminação intenso durante o concerto.
2. Short for stroboscopic lights; equipment that rapidly flashes on and off to create the illusion of slowed or stopped motion
The emergency vehicles were equipped with strobes for better visibility.
Os veículos de emergência eram equipados com luzes estroboscópicas para melhor visibilidade.
3. In photography, strobe lights used as flash units for artificial illumination
Professional photographers often use strobes in their studios.
Fotógrafos profissionais frequentemente usam estroboscópios em seus estúdios.
Strobes are particularly prominent in Brazilian nightlife culture, especially in nightclubs and music festivals. In the USA, strobes are standard in concert productions, nightclubs, and emergency vehicles. The term is widely understood in both countries, though Portuguese speakers may use the full term 'luzes estroboscópicas' in formal contexts while 'strobes' is adopted in entertainment and professional photography settings.
NYC Slang
strobes (used literally in music venues, clubs, and photography studios; part of standard NYC nightlife and professional photography vocabulary)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
flash lightsstrobe lightsstroboscopic lightsflashing lights
Antonyms / Antônimos
steady lightcontinuous lightambient light

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
estroboscópios, luzes estroboscópicas
Standard term used across Brazil
São Paulo
strobes (adopted English term), luzes de flash
Often used in English, especially in music and entertainment industries
Rio de Janeiro
luzes estroboscópicas, strobes
Common in nightlife and event venues
Portugal
luzes estroboscópicas, estroboscópios
Portuguese term preferred, less adoption of English term than in Brazil

Related Words

strobestroboscopeflashlightingilluminationflicker

Related Idioms & Phrases

turn on the strobes
strobing effect
strobe lighting setup
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