self-luminous
adjective
self-lu·mi·nous
ˌself-ˈlü-mə-nəs 
: generating and emitting its own visible light
… Venus … is not self-luminous but lit by the sun …—
Derek J. deSolla Price
Derek J. deSolla PriceRadium paint is actually self-luminous—when freshly applied, it requires no external energy source …—Jack Forster
Jack ForsterExamples of self-luminous in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The University of Science and Technology of China study, published earlier this month, demonstrated that the method could also be used to detect objects that, unlike stars, are not self-luminous—opening the door to potential applications here on Earth.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-luminous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-luminous. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share