luminescence
[ loo-muh-nes-uh ns ]
/ ˌlu məˈnɛs əns /
noun
the emission of light not caused by incandescence and occurring at a temperature below that of incandescent bodies.
the light produced by such an emission.
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Nearby words
luminance, luminaria, luminary, lumine, luminesce, luminescence, luminiferous, luminism, luminophore, luminosity, luminosity class
Related forms
lu·mi·nes·cent, adjectivenon·lu·mi·nes·cence, nounnon·lu·mi·nes·cent, adjectiveun·lu·mi·nes·cent, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for luminescence
British Dictionary definitions for luminescence
luminescence
/ (ˌluːmɪˈnɛsəns) /
noun
physics
- the emission of light at low temperatures by any process other than incandescence, such as phosphorescence or chemiluminescence
- the light emitted by such a process
Derived Forms
luminescent, adjectiveWord Origin for luminescence
C19: from Latin lūmen light
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medicine definitions for luminescence
luminescence
[ lōō′mə-nĕs′əns ]
n.
The emission of light that does not derive energy from the temperature of the emitting body, as in fluorescence and bioluminescence.
The light so emitted.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for luminescence
luminescence
[ lōō′mə-nĕs′əns ]
The emission of light as a result of the excitation of atoms by energy other than heat. Bioluminescence, fluorescence, and phosphorescence are examples of luminescence that can be produced by biological or chemical processes.
The light produced in this way.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.