Luminous
Word of the Day
What is Luminous?
adjective
Emitting or reflecting light; bright or shining.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to commemorate the Full Pink Moon that illuminated the night sky on this date.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The luminous stars lit up the night sky.
Her luminous smile brightened the room.
The artist used luminous colors to create a vibrant painting.
Word Origins
From Latin lūminōsus, meaning “full of light”.
Originally used in scientific contexts, now also prevalent in literary and artistic descriptions.
First appearance in English: 15th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
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Noun:
The luminosity of the star was measured by astronomers.
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Verb:
The streetlights illuminate the road at night.
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Adjective:
The luminous moon guided their path.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: luminoso
- French: lumineux
- German: leuchtend
- Italian: luminoso
- Portuguese: luminoso
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Radiant
Emphasizes emitting light or heat; often used to describe warmth or happiness.
Incandescent
Describes emitting light as a result of being heated; also used metaphorically for intense emotion.
Resplendent
Highlights brilliance and splendor, often in appearance or attire.
Effulgent
Literary term denoting shining brightly; radiant.
Fun Facts
- Bioluminescence is the production of light by living organisms, such as fireflies and certain jellyfish.
- The term “luminous” is often used in physics to describe objects that emit their own light, as opposed to reflecting it.
Cultural Usage
- In “The Great Gatsby,” Fitzgerald describes Daisy’s voice as “luminous,” highlighting its enchanting quality.
- The movie “Her” uses luminous cinematography to evoke a sense of warmth and intimacy.
Common Mistakes
Often confused with “illuminated” — while both relate to light, “luminous” emphasizes the quality of emitting light.
Micro Story
The luminous glow of the full moon cast a serene light over the landscape.