electroluminescence

American  

[ih-lek-troh-loo-muh-nes-uhns] / ɪˌlɛk troʊˌlu məˈnɛs əns /

noun

1. luminescence produced by the activation of a dielectric phosphor by an alternating current.

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electroluminescence British  

/ ɪˌlɛktrəʊˌluːmɪˈnɛsəns /

noun

1. physics

   1. the emission of light by a phosphor when activated by an alternating field or by a gas when activated by an electric discharge

   2. the light emitted by this process

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Other Word Forms

• electroluminescent adjective

Etymology

Origin of electroluminescence

First recorded in 1900–05; electro- + luminescence

Example Sentences

OLEDs generate light through a process known as electroluminescence.

From Science Daily • Jan. 15, 2026

At the same time, they generate electroluminescence with an extremely narrow spectral width.

From Science Daily • Dec. 5, 2025

The union of thermoelectrics and electroluminescence promises wall panels that automatically heat or cool, change colors and brightness to suit the mood and weather of the day.

From Time Magazine Archive

When an electric voltage is applied across the films, the phosphor takes energy from it and uses it to increase by "electroluminescence" the brightness of the light image.

From Time Magazine Archive