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 of incandescence

• 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

Occasionally, one slides to the floor, the slipperiness of silk on silk, a pool of gold and incandescence on the carpet. —Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026

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

Like with incandescent light bulbs, the electrical current enters the socket and travels to a tungsten filament, heating up the filament to incandescence. —Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

incandesc(ent) + -ence

Note: The word is attested in the seventeenth century in the sense "a being inflamed with anger," based directly on Latin incandēscere.

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