Incandescent

Thursday, June 26, 2025
Word of the Day

What is Incandescent?

adjective
Emitting light as a result of being heated; passionate or brilliant.

Pronunciation

US pronunciation: /ˌɪn.kænˈdɛs.ənt/
UK pronunciation: /ˌɪn.kænˈdɛs.ənt/
Slow pronunciation: in-kan-DESS-ent

Meaning Explained

Incandescent glows both physically and figuratively—searing light or fervent intensity.

Why This Word?

Chosen for heat-shimmered streets and electric performances.

Examples of Use

Here's how this word appears in everyday language:

  • Incandescent filaments warmed the studio.
  • An incandescent argument burned itself out.
  • The desert air was incandescent at noon.

Word Origins

Latin incandescere "to glow white," from candēre "to shine"

Opposite: "incipient" heat without glow; here, visible radiance.

First appearance in English: Late 18th century

Word Family

Related forms of this word:

  • Adjective: luminous

    Luminous paint traced the arc.

  • Adjective: effulgent

    Effulgent skies crowned the ridge.

  • Noun: incandescence

    Incandescence peaked at 900°C.

Around the World

How this word appears in other languages:

  • Spanish: incandescente
  • French: incandescent
  • German: glühend / incandescent
  • Italian: incandescente
  • Portuguese: incandescente

If you Already Know This Word

If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:

Fluorescent

Light from excitation; not heat-based.

Phosphorescent

Afterglow persists; not heat light.

Scintillant

Sparkling; incandescent is steady glow.

Fun Facts

  • "Candela" (luminous intensity) shares the root.
  • Metal glows red, then white, as temperature rises.

Cultural Usage

  • Incandescent bulbs yield warm spectra.
  • Reviewers praise incandescent writing.

Common Mistakes

Not the same as "fluorescent" (excited by radiation).

Micro Story

Her incandescent solo brought the hall to its feet.