luminescence

noun

lu·​mi·​nes·​cence ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce luminescence (audio)
Synonyms of luminescencenext
: the low-temperature emission of light (as by a chemical or physiological process)
also : light produced by luminescence
luminescent
ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊnt How to pronounce luminescence (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of luminescence

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Examples of luminescence in a Sentence

the luminescence of the watch we could see inside the cave even without a flashlight because of the luminescence coming from some of the fungus on the walls
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To analyze the core samples, the team employed a process known as luminescence dating. — New Atlas, 7 Jan. 2026 Regardless, string lights like these instantly create warmth, ambiance, and luminescence. — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2026 Fire Horse flavors are amped up with a double blessing and an extra oomph of chili heat and citrusy luminescence all served family-style to emphasize togetherness. — Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026 Clients will book anytime during Oscars week, with some coming to see her the day before or even day of without risk of redness or downtime due to specific techniques that maximize luminescence without any downtime. — Margaux Lushing, Forbes.com, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for luminescence

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Luminescenz (now Lumineszenz), from Latin lūmin-, lūmen "light, source of light" + German -escenz (in Phosphorescenz phosphorescence and Fluorescenz fluorescence) — more at lumen

Note: The term was introduced by the German physicist Eilhard Wiedemann (1852-1928) in "Ueber Fluorescenz und Phosphorescenz I. Abhandlung," Annalen der Physik und Chemie, Neue Folge, Band 34 (1888), p. 447.

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of luminescence was in 1889

Rhymes for luminescence

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Browse Nearby Words

luminesce
luminescence
luminescent
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Cite this Entry

“Luminescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luminescence. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

luminescence

noun
lu·​mi·​nes·​cence ˌlü-mə-ˈnes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce luminescence (audio)
: the giving off of light at low temperatures especially as part of a chemical process (as of the body)
also : such light

Medical Definition

luminescence

noun
lu·​mi·​nes·​cence ˌlü-mə-ˈnes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce luminescence (audio)
: the low-temperature emission of light produced especially by physiological processes (as in the firefly), by chemical action, by friction, or by electrical action
also : light produced by luminescence
luminesce
-ˈnes How to pronounce luminescence (audio)
intransitive verb
luminesced; luminescing
luminescent
-ᵊnt How to pronounce luminescence (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on luminescence

Nglish: Translation of luminescence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about luminescence

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