incandescent
UK: ˌɪn.kænˈdes.ənt | US: ˌɪn.kænˈdes.ənt
adj. emitting light as a result of being heated to a high temperature
adj. (figuratively) intensely bright or brilliant, especially with emotion or energy
incandescent = in<intensive prefix> + cand<glow/white> + escent<becoming>
- in (Latin prefix, intensifying meaning)
- cand (from Latin candere, meaning "to glow" or "white," as in candle or candid)
- escent (Latin suffix -escentem, meaning "becoming" or "process of," as in fluorescent or adolescent)
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin incandescere ("to glow white-hot"), the word combines in- (emphasizing intensity) with candere (to shine or burn brightly). The suffix -escent implies a state of transition, originally describing objects heated until they emit light. Over time, it expanded metaphorically to describe vivid emotions or radiance.
The incandescent light bulb revolutionized artificial lighting.
Her incandescent smile lit up the entire room.
The metal became incandescent under the intense heat of the furnace.
His incandescent rage was evident in his trembling voice.
The sunset painted the sky in incandescent hues of orange and pink.