What does incandescent mean?
The term incandescent describes something that emits light, typically due to being heated to a high temperature. This can refer to physical objects like light bulbs or stars, as well as figurative uses to describe someone's personality or presence as radiant or brilliant. Incandescent light bulbs, for example, produce light by heating a filament until it glows. The term can also be used to describe a lively or energetic atmosphere. Overall, incandescent is a useful word for describing sources of light and radiant energy, as well as figurative expressions of brilliance or enthusiasm.
adjectiveIncandescent refers to something that glows with light, typically as a result of being heated to a high temperature. It can also describe something that is radiant or brilliant in a figurative sense.
- glowing with light, typically as a result of heat
- radiant or brilliant in a figurative sense
"The incandescent lights in the room created a warm and cozy atmosphere."
"The incandescent filament in the light bulb produced a warm glow."
"Her incandescent personality lit up the entire room."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of incandescent
The word incandescent originates from the Latin words 'incandescere', meaning 'to glow' or 'to shine', and 'candere', meaning 'to shine' or 'to be white'. The term has been used in English since the 17th century to describe objects that emit light due to heat.
Usage notes
The term incandescent is often used to describe light sources, such as incandescent light bulbs, but it can also be used figuratively to describe someone's personality or presence.