luminescence

noun

lu·mi·nes·cence ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊn(t)s

Synonyms of luminescence next

: the low-temperature emission of light (as by a chemical or physiological process)

also : light produced by luminescence

luminescent

ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊnt

adjective

Example Sentences

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 Concept art also hinted that the ride would have a magical, otherworldly feel, as parts glowed purple and fauna in the water had a brilliant pink luminescence. —

Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2023 Its black ceramic case and bezel are accented by a mega tapisserie dial featuring white-gold hour markers and hands coated in black nickel with yellow luminescence. —

Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2023 Each frame is down-sampled to a lower resolution, then subjected to basic pixel/image analysis such as luminescence (brightness) and color extraction, brightness gradient analysis and texture analysis. —

Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Dec. 2017 The result is luminescence bathed in irony. —

Deborah Vankinstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2023 Sapphire waters gain a milky luminescence from the talcum sand of crumbling limestone cliffs carved across time by pounding waves, giving way to each island’s windy western beaches. —

Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2023 For the moment, researchers are still trying to suss out the chemistry of the yellow luminescence, which may yield some clues about its unique function. —

Discover Magazine, 29 June 2010 Like Garbo or the Mona Lisa, the inexplicable gifts of line and luminescence defy definition. —

Scottie Andrew, CNN, 11 Jan. 2023 The deposits were dated using both radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence methods, with additional methods used to date fragmentary charcoal samples from the ancient hearths. —

Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 19 July 2017 See More

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

International Scientific Vocabulary lumin- + -escence

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of luminescence was in 1889

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Luminescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luminescence. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.

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Kids Definition

luminescence

noun

lu·mi·nes·cence ˌlü-mə-ˈnes-ᵊn(t)s

: 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

: 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

-ˈnes

intransitive verb

luminesced; luminescing

luminescent

-ᵊnt

adjective