luminescence

noun

ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce luminescence (audio)
Definition of luminescencenext
as in glow
the steady giving off of the form of radiation that makes vision possible we could see inside the cave even without a flashlight because of the luminescence coming from some of the fungus on the walls

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of luminescence 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 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 To analyze the core samples, the team employed a process known as luminescence dating. — New Atlas, 7 Jan. 2026 Auroras are light shows that happen when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field, while airglow is luminescence caused by chemical reactions high in the atmosphere. — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 21 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luminescence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminescence
  1. glow
  2. glare
  3. light
  4. gleam
  5. illumination
Noun
  • Place it atop a credenza to create a diffused glow throughout the room in lieu of harsh overhead lighting.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Overnight, the foundation became a staple among makeup artists and beauty lovers worldwide, thanks to its second-skin finish and lit-from-within glow.
    — Beth Sobol, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of glow
Noun
  • In living rooms, televisions are often placed in locations where ambient light from the windows can cause visible glare.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The concept is basically like a solar eclipse; a coronagraph blocks out the glare of a star such that anything around that star can come into focus.
    — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of glare
Noun
  • Not too much to write home about, but there’s a surprising amount of light for a railroad and a nice fire escape for your afternoon Zoom calls.
    — Nora DeLigter, Curbed, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Meaning a school that had high ceilings that was well ventilated, that had big windows for light and for air to come in, a nice entrance way, that’s something that would look nice.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of light
Noun
  • The main camera is positioned so that Big Bear Lake gleams in the background, changing hue throughout the day.
    — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Tucuma-seed and buriti oils soften the skin and boost its radiance for a subtle, youthful gleam.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 July 2026
Definition of gleam
Noun
  • Neighborhood Roppongi has long been a haven for expats, and the creation of Roppongi Hills two decades ago has further enlivened the area with luxury boutiques, apartments, restaurants and a compelling holiday illumination.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Artificial nighttime illumination can alter the behavior of migratory birds, insects and other nocturnal species that rely on moonlight and starlight to navigate, feed and reproduce, the coalition says.
    — Jean Lee, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of illumination

Browse Nearby Words

luminesced
luminescence
luminescences
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Luminescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminescence. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on luminescence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about luminescence

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