luminous
UK: ˈluːmɪnəs | US: ˈluːmɪnəs
adj. emitting or reflecting light; glowing
adj. intellectually or spiritually enlightening
adj. clear or evident (archaic)
The word "luminous" traces back to Latin luminosus, derived from lumen (light). It entered Middle English via Old French lumineux, retaining its core meaning of "radiant" or "full of light." The morpheme lumin- appears in related words like "illuminate" (to light up) and "luminary" (a shining figure). The suffix -ous systematically converts nouns into adjectives, emphasizing the presence of a quality—here, light or brilliance.
The full moon cast a luminous glow over the lake.
Her luminous smile brightened the entire room.
The scientist made a luminous discovery that changed the field.
The jellyfish emitted a soft, luminous blue light in the dark water.
His luminous intellect inspired generations of students.