incandescence

UK: ˌɪn.kænˈdes.əns | US: ˌɪn.kænˈdes.əns

Definition

  1. n. the state of being white or glowing due to high heat

  2. n. intense brightness or emotional fervor

Structure
in <into, towards>cand <glow, white>escence <noun suffix indicating state>
Etymology

Derived from Latin incandescere ("to glow white"), combining in- (intensifying prefix) + candere ("to shine, be white"). The root cand- is shared with words like candle (from candela, "light source") and candid (originally "pure white," later "honest"). The suffix -escence denotes a state or process, as in luminescence or effervescence. The word evolved in scientific contexts to describe objects emitting light due to heat (e.g., incandescent bulbs).

Examples

  1. The incandescence of the molten lava lit up the night sky.

  2. Her incandescence on stage captivated the audience.

  3. The scientist studied the incandescence of metals at extreme temperatures.

  4. The poem describes the incandescence of love with vivid imagery.

  5. Traditional incandescence bulbs are less energy-efficient than LEDs.