triboluminescence

[ trahy-boh-loo-muh-nes-uhns, trib-oh- ]

noun

, Physics.

1. luminescence produced by friction, usually within a crystalline substance.

triboluminescence

/ ˌtraɪbəʊˌluːmɪˈnɛsəns /

noun

1. luminescence produced by friction, such as the emission of light when certain crystals are crushed

Derived Forms

• ˌtriboˌlumiˈnescent, adjective

Other Words From

• tribo·lumi·nescent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of triboluminescence¹

First recorded in 1885–90; tribo- + luminescence

Example Sentences

Another possibility is that earthquake lights are a manifestation of triboluminescence, which refers to light released when chemical bonds are broken through rubbing, crushing or scratching.

From Washington Post

Mr. Summers discussed what it’s like to be a one-man band, if he has an aversion to vocals and what the heck the title of his latest CD, “Triboluminescence,” actually means.

From Washington Times

The two longest words in the data set were 17 letters apiece: triboluminescence and idiosyncratically, both of which sent their spellers home.

From Slate

The examples he mentioned show off a phenomenon called triboluminescence, or instances where energy is released in the form of light through the forced breaking of chemical bonds, such as when a solid is crushed, rubbed, or scratched.

From Washington Post