lambent

American  

[lam-buhnt] / ˈlæm bənt /

adjective

1. softly bright or radiant.

   a lambent light.

2. running or moving lightly over a surface.

   lambent tongues of flame.

3. dealing lightly and gracefully with a subject; brilliantly playful.

   lambent wit.

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lambent British  

/ ˈlæmbənt /

adjective

1. (esp of a flame) flickering softly over a surface

2. glowing with soft radiance

3. (of wit or humour) light or brilliant

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Other Word Forms

• lambency noun
• lambently adverb

Etymology

Origin of lambent

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin lambent- (stem of lambēns ) “lapping,” present participle of lambere “to lick, wash” (said of water or fire); akin to lap ³ ; -ent

Explanation

Lambent is a word describing a type of light that is subdued or soft. A lambent glow is not a bright, blinding light. Lambent comes from a Latin word meaning "lick," and that fact may help you remember the word: lambent lights or flames aren't solid or powerful. The light is flickering — almost like the licking of a snake's tongue. Lambent light flickers or shines softly. It's not a powerful or overwhelming light. A candle in a dark room is a great example of a lambent light. Lambent light is better for setting a mood than lighting up a room brightly.

Example Sentences

Half a century has passed since humans set foot on the moon, but the lunar rocks that they gathered are still revealing important information about Earth’s lambent neighbor.

From National Geographic • Oct. 23, 2023

I ran my hands over buttery silk button-downs in deep purple and lambent teal during a Tom Ford for Gucci capsule collection, and slipped into a cream column dress with a cutout at the hip.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2023

Unfolding over the span of just a few days, “Song Lang” renders the two men’s brief encounter, heavy with unspoken longing and connection, against a lambent backdrop of golden-green light and swirling dust.

From New York Times • Oct. 21, 2022

The keypad is laser-etched out of a sheet of shimmering aluminum, and when pressed, ignites in a lambent blue glow that looked like the sci-fi future.

From The Verge • Dec. 29, 2021

I closed my eyes, for there is some subtle magnetism in the gaze that nudges the lambent spirit in those viewed and draws attention to those who watch concealed.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson