luminescence

noun

lu·​mi·​nes·​cence ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce luminescence (audio)
: the low-temperature emission of light (as by a chemical or physiological process)
also : light produced by luminescence
luminescent adjective

Examples of luminescence in a Sentence

the luminescence of the watch we could see inside the cave even without a flashlight because of the luminescence coming from some of the fungus on the walls
Recent Examples on the Web To finish, press a touch of an iridescent or sparkling formula onto the center of the lids for that extra hint of luminescence. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 9 Oct. 2024 But despite a few previous examples, the 1974 tour (and the live album that followed) may have been the most prominent moment when saluting a musician by way of real or artificial luminescence truly, well, came to light. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2024 The watch also features a unique green luminescence and an hourglass emblem at 10 o'clock, enhancing its vintage appeal. Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024 Solar eclipses are often referred to as intense new moons because, during the monthly start to the lunar cycle, the luminescence of the sun’s rays bouncing off the moon is obscured, creating a dark moon that contrasts with the brightness of a full moon. Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 8 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for luminescence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'luminescence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Luminescenz (now Lumineszenz), from Latin lūmin-, lūmen "light, source of light" + German -escenz (in Phosphorescenz phosphorescence and Fluorescenz fluorescence) — more at lumen

Note: The term was introduced by the German physicist Eilhard Wiedemann (1852-1928) in "Ueber Fluorescenz und Phosphorescenz I. Abhandlung," Annalen der Physik und Chemie, Neue Folge, Band 34 (1888), p. 447.

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of luminescence was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near luminescence

Cite this Entry

“Luminescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luminescence. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

luminescence

noun
lu·​mi·​nes·​cence ˌlü-mə-ˈnes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce luminescence (audio)
: the giving off of light at low temperatures especially as part of a chemical process (as of the body)
also : such light

Medical Definition

luminescence

noun
lu·​mi·​nes·​cence ˌlü-mə-ˈnes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce luminescence (audio)
: the low-temperature emission of light produced especially by physiological processes (as in the firefly), by chemical action, by friction, or by electrical action
also : light produced by luminescence
luminesce intransitive verb
luminesced; luminescing
luminescent adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on luminescence

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