lu·mi·nes·cence (l  m -n s ns)n. 1. The emission of light that does not derive energy from the temperature of the emitting body, as in phosphorescence, fluorescence, and bioluminescence. Luminescence is caused by chemical, biochemical, or crystallographic changes, the motions of subatomic particles, or radiation-induced excitation of an atomic system. 2. The light so emitted. |
luminescence [ˌluːmɪˈnɛsəns]
n
(Physics / General Physics) Physics
a. the emission of light at low temperatures by any process other than incandescence, such as phosphorescence or chemiluminescence
b. the light emitted by such a process
[from Latin lūmen light]
luminescent adj
| luminescence (lm-nsns) 1. The emission of light as a result of the excitation of atoms by energy other than heat. Bioluminescence, fluorescence, and phosphorescence are examples of luminescence that can be produced by biological or chemical processes. 2. The light produced in this way. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  luminescence - light not due to incandescence; occurs at low temperatureslight, visible light, visible radiation - (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation; "the light was filtered through a soft glass window" bioluminescence - luminescence produced by physiological processes (as in the firefly) chemiluminescence - luminescence resulting from a chemical reaction as the oxidation of luciferin in fireflies |
| 2. | luminescence - light from nonthermal sources brightness level, luminance, luminosity, luminousness, brightness, light - the quality of being luminous; emitting or reflecting light; "its luminosity is measured relative to that of our sun" |
Translations
luminescence
n → Lumineszenz f (spec), → Leuchten nt
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