luminescence
NounUS[loo-muh-nes-uhns]/ˌluməˈnɛsəns/4 syllables
Synonyms:
glow
Open English WordNet
Noun (2)
- light not due to incandescence; occurs at low temperaturesType of light, visible lightKinds chemiluminescence, bioluminescence
- light from nonthermal sourcesSynonyms: glowType of luminosity, brightness
Word of the day · Oct 19About this word
notoriousadjective
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Lu′mi·nes′cence noun
Origin: See Luminescent.
1. Physics Any emission of light not ascribable directly to incandescence, and therefore occurring at low temperatures, as in phosphorescence and fluorescence or other luminous radiation resulting from vital processes, chemical action, friction, solution, or the influence of light or of ultraviolet or cathode rays, etc.
2. Zoology (a) The faculty or power of producing light by biological processes, as in the firefly and glowworm. Also called bioluminescence. (b) The light produced by biological or biochemical processes. Also called bioluminescence.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54 · with additions: +PJC, 1913 supplement