incandescence

Everyday

1. (science) The light given off by something because it is very hot, like a glowing metal wire or lava. tree →
2. (literary) A strong bright glow or a burning strong feeling. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on light and heat, old-fashioned light bulbs work by incandescence: electricity heats a thin wire until it glows white. The Sun, flames, red-hot coals and lava also shine by incandescence. In stories it describes brilliant light or passion. Phrases: incandescent bulb, the incandescence of lava.

Examples

• An old light bulb shines by incandescence when its wire gets white-hot. tree →
• The incandescence of the lava lit up the night. tree →
• Red-hot iron in the blacksmith's fire shows incandescence. tree →
• LED bulbs don't use incandescence, so they waste less heat. tree →
• The candle flame glows by incandescence of tiny soot bits. tree →
• The incandescence of the sparkler lit up our faces on Bonfire Night. tree →

Note

Adjective «incandescent» — which also means extremely angry in informal UK speech («incandescent with rage»). Not the same as «fluorescence» or «luminescence», which give light without great heat (glow sticks, fireflies).