What does luminescence mean?
Luminescence is the production of light by a material or organism without the kind of burning that makes ordinary flames and heated solids glow. It includes many familiar natural glows: the shimmer of bioluminescent marine animals, the cold light produced by some fungi, and the glow of a fluorescent or phosphorescent material. The word is especially useful when the presence of light is surprising because no obvious flame or high temperature accompanies it. In scientific writing, luminescence can be used broadly, while specific terms such as bioluminescence identify its biological source and phosphorescence identifies light whose emission continues after the exciting stimulus stops. In literary or metaphorical contexts, luminescence may describe a soft, striking radiance associated with a person, object, or landscape. Although uncommon in everyday speech, the word is precise where “glow” might be too vague and “light” might wrongly suggest visible combustion. Its Latin-derived formation also links it to a wider family of words about brightness and illumination.
nounThe emission of light by a substance or organism without combustion or appreciable heat. The term also refers metaphorically to a soft or striking quality of radiance.
- The emission of light by a substance or organism without combustion or appreciable heat, as in bioluminescent organisms, fluorescent materials, or phosphorescent substances.
- A figurative sense describing a soft, striking, or compelling quality of radiance.
"Bioluminescent plankton created a faint blue luminescence beneath the waves."
"The jellyfish pulsed with a delicate blue luminescence in the dark water."
"Her quiet luminescence drew every eye into the dimly lit room."
The plural is uncommon and may refer to distinct glowing phenomena, sources, or manifestations.
"Different luminescences were observed in the samples under ultraviolet light."
Some deep-sea creatures manufacture their own light, turning a pitch-black world into a living constellation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does luminescence come from?
Luminescence entered English in the early nineteenth century, developed from “luminesce,” a verb formed from Latin lumen, meaning “light,” together with a suffix expressing a process or gradual development. The verb itself was used earlier for processes in which light or heat appeared. Its relatives include luminous, illuminate, and lumen, all associated with the same Latin source.
Related word forms
How luminescence is actually used
Luminescence is primarily formal, scientific, or literary. In general use, “glow” is more natural, while the technical term is valuable when distinguishing light produced without noticeable heat from incandescence.
Easily confused with luminescence
Luminescence is the emission of light, whereas luminosity refers more broadly to brightness or the quality of being luminous.
Luminescence is light emitted without appreciable heat, while incandescence is the glow produced by a heated substance.