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Definition of luminescence

luminescence

/ˌluː.mɪˈnɛs.əns/
lu · mi · nes · cence
Plural:luminescences
•
Adjective:luminescent
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luminescence Lexical Profile

luminescence Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The emission of light by a substance that has not been heated, caused instead by chemical reactions, electrical energy, or subatomic motions.

Example

"The marine biologist studied the eerie blue luminescence of the deep-sea jellyfish."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for luminescence
Antonyms
View all antonyms for luminescence

Word Nuance & Usage

Unlike 'incandescence,' which is light produced by high heat, 'luminescence' specifically refers to cold light emitted through chemical, electrical, or biological processes.

• Rhymes for luminescence

• Nearby Words

lumberyard
lumen
luminary
luminescence
luminescent
luminosity
luminous

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1888 by German physicist Eilhard Wiedemann (as German Luminescenz), derived from Latin lumen ('light') combined with the suffix -escence.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Luminescence. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/luminescence
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