luminescence

American  

[loo-muh-nes-uhns] / ˌlu məˈnɛs əns /

noun

1. the emission of light not caused by incandescence and occurring at a temperature below that of incandescent bodies.

2. the light produced by such an emission.

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luminescence British  

/ ˌluːmɪˈnɛsəns /

noun

1. physics

   1. the emission of light at low temperatures by any process other than incandescence, such as phosphorescence or chemiluminescence

   2. the light emitted by such a process

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luminescence Scientific  

/ lo̅o̅′mə-nĕs′əns /

1. 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.

2. The light produced in this way.

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Other Word Forms

• luminescent adjective
• nonluminescence noun

Etymology

Origin of luminescence

First recorded in 1885–90; from Latin lūmin- ( lumen ) + -escence

Example Sentences

The determination to find greatness in the ordinary gives “Song Sung Blue” a magical, unforced luminescence that much more immodest films usually lack.

From The Wall Street Journal

This action inspires lovely, shimmering visuals of delicate luminescence, but Mr. Cameron’s references to becoming one with the environment would make the most earnest hippie folk singer blush.

From The Wall Street Journal

Their luminescence highlights the crowd while also creating a more intimate, reflective atmosphere.

From Los Angeles Times

First, the researchers looked at the luminescence of the bands in the coral.

From Science Daily

The scientists used a technique called luminescence dating to work out the age of the star dune.

From BBC