incandescence

noun

in·​can·​des·​cence ˌin-kən-ˈde-sᵊn(t)s 

 also  -(ˌ)kan-

: the quality or state of being incandescent

especially : emission by a hot body of radiation that makes it visible

Synonyms

• glow
• glare
• light
• gleam
• illumination

Examples of incandescence in a Sentence

candles made from whale oil were once highly prized because they burned with an incandescence superior to that of other candles

Recent Examples on the Web

They were stunned by the incandescence of her skin. —Beth Landman, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Feb. 2025

With a name chosen to suggest incandescence, Candente’s grills sear fajitas made from prime skirt steak and ribeye infused with the unmistakable nuances infused by the distinctively strong, smoky, earthy flavors of mesquite smoke. —Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

Deeper within the planet, though, the surface might be emanating a faint red, due to incandescence resulting from being baked by its star. —Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025

They were stunned by the incandescence of her skin. —Beth Landman, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for incandescence

• acquiescence
• adolescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• effervescence
• efflorescence
• evanescence
• inflorescence
• iridescence
• luminescence
• obsolescence
• opalescence

Kids Definition

incandescence

noun

in·​can·​des·​cence ˌin-kən-ˈdes-ᵊn(t)s 

: the glowing of a substance due to its high temperature