incandescence

[ in-kuhn-des-uhns ]

noun

1. the emission of visible light by a body, caused by its high temperature. Compare luminescence.
2. the light produced by such an emission.
3. the quality of being incandescent.

incandescence

/ ĭn′kən-dĕs′əns /

1. The emission of visible light from a substance or object as a result of heating it to a high temperature. The color of the light emitted from solids and liquids is a function of their chemical structure and their temperature; the higher the temperature, the more intense and even the distribution of frequencies is (that is, higher temperatures create brighter and whiter light than lower temperatures).
2. Compare fluorescenceSee also blackbody radiation

Other Words From

• nonin·can·descence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of incandescence¹

First recorded in 1650–60; incandesc(ent) + -ence

Example Sentences

It’s strange to move from the bulk of her book to the lightness of the woman who wrote it, to the one-of-a-kind incandescence that’s kept her a star.

From New York Times

He added that, “even in this moment of political incandescence, there is no alternative majority.”

From New York Times

These fragments themselves pancaked, creating a series of brief but powerful flashes of light as they heated to incandescence.

From Scientific American

Played with a sly incandescence by Lynn Collins, Ashling colors her speech with generous emphasis, insisting that child care keeps her young and that she considers her role on par with a co-parent.

From New York Times

“Spots of incandescence may remain near the vent, along channels, and at the flow front for days or weeks as the lava flows cool,” the observatory’s activity summary said.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• beam
• blaze
• burst
• flame
• flare
• glare
• gleam
• glimmer
• glint
• glitter
• glow
• radiation
• ray
• reflection
• spark
• sparkle
• vision