incandescence

noun in·can·des·cence \ ˌin-kən-ˈde-sᵊn(t)s also -(ˌ)kan- \

Definition of incandescence

: the quality or state of being incandescent; especially : emission by a hot body of radiation that makes it visible

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 of incandescence from the Web

Like the sparks that fly upward from the forge, struck to a brief moment of incandescence by the force of the blow, are the individuals whose troubles and fates furnish the daily business of a draft office.

— rosa inocencio smith, The Atlantic, "The Atlantic Daily: Terror and Twitter," 5 June 2017
In the paintings of the 19th-century Danish artist Vilhelm Hammershoi, the color gray achieves a beguiling incandescence.

— tom delavan, New York Times, "An All-Gray Apartment That’s Not Blah — But Not Hygge Either," 22 Mar. 2017
Overnight, the Webcam on the rim of Halema`uma`u Crater recorded a few points of incandescence, waxing and waning in brightness, deep within the vent.

— erik klemetti, WIRED, "Rockfall "snuffs out" the Halema'uma'u vent?," 2 July 2009

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'incandescence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.