luminescent

American  

[loo-muh-nes-uhnt] / ˌlu məˈnɛs ənt /

adjective

1. emitting light that is not caused by incandescence and that occurs at a temperature below that of incandescent bodies.

   The luminescent watch hands glow 100 times brighter than those on standard watches, allowing wearers to read the time in complete darkness.

2. glowing or shining, or producing an impression of light; lustrous; radiant.

   Her gloriously luminescent voice, described by the New York Times as "hauntingly clear," evokes other-worldly sounds wafting from a mountaintop convent.

---

Other Word Forms

• nonluminescent adjective
• unluminescent adjective

Etymology

Origin of luminescent

First recorded in 1855–60; from Latin lūmin-, stem of lūmen “light” + -escent ( def. )

Example Sentences

Her work in “Marty Supreme” is simply luminescent, one of the year’s most charming and memorable supporting performances.

From Salon

L’Belle-Tividad is pale, almost luminescent, an effect enhanced by her bright blond hair and her wardrobe of flowing, white and pale pink garments.

From Los Angeles Times

The symbols on his skin are a luminescent blue rather than the orange of the woman’s.

From Literature

Long before the luminescent spectacle awed viewers of Disney’s 2010 film “Tangled,” real-life lantern festivals have been taking place around the world.

From Los Angeles Times

The bulb suggests enlightenment, while those old clay vessels, sometimes used as grave markers or funerary offerings, lend a spiritual dimension to Eliasson’s luminescent sight.

From Los Angeles Times