luminous

Everyday

1. Luminous means giving out light or glowing, especially in the dark («luminous paint», «a luminous watch»). tree →
2. Luminous means very bright and shining («luminous eyes»). tree →
3. (informal) Luminous colours are very bright, neon colours, like luminous yellow or green. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on light, luminous objects make their own light, like the Sun, stars, fire and torches; non-luminous objects, like the Moon and mirrors, only reflect light. In safety lessons, luminous (high-visibility) vests help drivers see you. In stories, «luminous» describes moonlit or magical scenes.

Examples

• The Sun is a luminous object. tree →
• The Moon is not luminous; it reflects light. tree →
• My watch has luminous hands. tree →
• Wear a luminous jacket when cycling at night. tree →
• The stars were luminous in the clear sky. tree →
• Glow-worms are luminous insects. tree →
• She painted her nails luminous pink. tree →
• Then a bright falling star came down, leaving a broad, luminous streak behind it. tree →

Note

Science trap: the Moon looks bright but is not luminous — it reflects light from the Sun. Noun: luminosity. Similar: glowing, fluorescent (bright colour that shines under light).