luminescent
Meaning: Emitting light not caused by heat; producing cold light through chemical, electrical, or other non-thermal processes.
Luminescence is a broad term encompassing several types of light emission: bioluminescence (living organisms, like fireflies), chemiluminescence (chemical reactions, like glow sticks), electroluminescence (electric current, like LED screens), and phosphorescence (delayed emission after light exposure). It contrasts with incandescence, where light is produced by heating. The noun form is 'luminescence.'
Examples
- The deep-sea creatures displayed luminescent properties, glowing eerily in the dark water. 深海生物展现出发光特性,在漆黑的水中发出诡异的光芒。Las criaturas de aguas profundas mostraban propiedades luminiscentes, brillando con un resplandor inquietante en la oscuridad.深海生物は発光特性を示し、暗い水中で不気味に光っていた。심해 생물은 발광 특성을 보이며 어두운 물속에서 으스스하게 빛났다.
- Luminescent paint on the watch dial allowed the pilot to read the time in complete darkness. 手表表盘上的夜光涂料使飞行员能在完全黑暗中读取时间。La pintura luminiscente de la esfera del reloj permitía al piloto leer la hora en total oscuridad.腕時計の文字盤の蓄光塗料により、パイロットは完全な暗闇の中でも時刻を読み取ることができた。시계 문자판의 축광 도료 덕분에 조종사는 완전한 암흑 속에서도 시간을 읽을 수 있었다.
- Researchers developed a luminescent compound that lights up in the presence of specific pollutants. 研究人员开发了一种发光化合物,能在特定污染物存在时发光。Los investigadores desarrollaron un compuesto luminiscente que se ilumina en presencia de determinados contaminantes.研究者たちは特定の汚染物質の存在下で発光する発光化合物を開発した。연구자들은 특정 오염 물질이 존재할 때 빛을 내는 발광 화합물을 개발했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin lumen (light) combined with the suffix -escent (becoming or emitting). The term 'luminescence' was coined by the German physicist Eilhard Wiedemann in 1888.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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