luminescence

noun

lu·​mi·​nes·​cence ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊn(t)s 

: the low-temperature emission of light (as by a chemical or physiological process)

also : light produced by luminescence

luminescent

ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊnt 

adjective

Synonyms

• blaze
• flare
• fluorescence
• glare
• gleam
• glow
• illumination
• incandescence
• light
• radiance
• shine

Examples of luminescence in a Sentence

the luminescence of the watch

we could see inside the cave even without a flashlight because of the luminescence coming from some of the fungus on the walls

Recent Examples on the Web

To finish, press a touch of an iridescent or sparkling formula onto the center of the lids for that extra hint of luminescence. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 9 Oct. 2024

But despite a few previous examples, the 1974 tour (and the live album that followed) may have been the most prominent moment when saluting a musician by way of real or artificial luminescence truly, well, came to light. —David Browne, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2024

The watch also features a unique green luminescence and an hourglass emblem at 10 o'clock, enhancing its vintage appeal. —Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024

Solar eclipses are often referred to as intense new moons because, during the monthly start to the lunar cycle, the luminescence of the sun’s rays bouncing off the moon is obscured, creating a dark moon that contrasts with the brightness of a full moon. —Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Luminescenz (now Lumineszenz), from Latin lūmin-, lūmen "light, source of light" + German -escenz (in Phosphorescenz phosphorescence and Fluorescenz fluorescence) — more at lumen

Note: The term was introduced by the German physicist Eilhard Wiedemann (1852-1928) in "Ueber Fluorescenz und Phosphorescenz I. Abhandlung," Annalen der Physik und Chemie, Neue Folge, Band 34 (1888), p. 447.

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

luminescence

noun

lu·​mi·​nes·​cence ˌlü-mə-ˈnes-ᵊn(t)s 

: the giving off of light at low temperatures especially as part of a chemical process (as of the body)

also : such light

Medical Definition

luminescence

noun

lu·​mi·​nes·​cence ˌlü-mə-ˈnes-ᵊn(t)s 

: the low-temperature emission of light produced especially by physiological processes (as in the firefly), by chemical action, by friction, or by electrical action

also : light produced by luminescence

luminesce

-ˈnes 

intransitive verb

luminesced; luminescing

luminescent

-ᵊnt 

adjective