luminescence

[ loo-muh-nes-uhns ]

noun

1. the emission of light not caused by incandescence and occurring at a temperature below that of incandescent bodies.
2. the light produced by such an emission.

luminescence

/ ˌluːmɪˈnɛsəns /

noun

1. physics
   1. the emission of light at low temperatures by any process other than incandescence, such as phosphorescence or chemiluminescence
   2. the light emitted by such a process

luminescence

/ lo̅o̅′mə-nĕs′əns /

1. The emission of light as a result of the excitation of atoms by energy other than heat. Bioluminescence, fluorescence, and phosphorescence are examples of luminescence that can be produced by biological or chemical processes.
2. The light produced in this way.

Derived Forms

• ˌlumiˈnescent, adjective

Other Words From

• lu·mi·nes·cent adjective
• non·lu·mi·nes·cence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of luminescence¹

First recorded in 1885–90; from Latin lūmin- ( lumen ) + -escence

Word History and Origins

Origin of luminescence¹

C19: from Latin lūmen light

Example Sentences

The images of the sky at night compares the luminescence of the US and Europe to that of Africa, providing a stark reflection of the fact that New York state alone consumes more energy than 48 countries in Africa.

From Singularity Hub 

The luminescence dates securely placed Mtoto’s burial at 78,000 years ago, making it the oldest known human burial in Africa.

From Singularity Hub 

On the few occasions I did see the aurora, the photo evidence looked more like a spectral fog than ribbons of luminescence.

From Washington Post

Tim said to me, “What if someone took a picture on their iPad and then used this method to turn iPad luminescence into oil paint?”

From The Daily Beast

And, ironically, in the darkness, he sees the luminescence of the jungle around him.

From The Daily Beast

It glowed in the room with a pearly luminescence, and she saw the man's eyes turning to it, drawn as if by magic.

From Project Gutenberg

The luminescence died; there was no longer light enough to penetrate to his helmet's darkened goggles.

From Project Gutenberg

His left hand fell upon Assha's shoulder, turning the man half around as Ross, too, stepped upon the patch of luminescence.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, swiftly as it had come, it was gone, and only a small globe of white luminescence floated above the great hulking machine.

From Project Gutenberg

Hungrily the Earth man stared at his distant flash pistols, plainly visible in the luminescence of their fungus bedding.

From Project Gutenberg