luminescence

noun

lu·​mi·​nes·​cence ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊn(t)s 

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

also : light produced by luminescence

luminescent

ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊnt 

adjective

Synonyms

• blaze
• flare
• fluorescence
• glare
• gleam
• glow
• illumination
• incandescence
• light
• radiance
• shine

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

The collaborative effort of the researchers led to the design of new types of nanoparticles whose luminescence color depended on applied force. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2025

Its sawtooth roofline’s skylights that once poured shadowless daylight onto the factory floor now provide the perfect luminescence for minimalist sculpture. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 12 Dec. 2024

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

Our colleague Bo Li at the University of Wollongong used optical luminescence dating methods on the layers of earth that contained the artifacts. —Ben Marwick, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for luminescence

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

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