Incandescent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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incandescent
[ษชnหkรฆndษsษnt ]
Definition
light emission
The term incandescent refers to a type of light that is emitted by a heated object. When an object is heated to a high temperature, it begins to glow and produce light, which is called incandescence. This phenomenon occurs when the thermal energy from heat excites the atoms in the material, leading them to emit light. Incandescent bulbs, for example, work by using a filament that heats up and glows when electricity passes through it. They are often used in lighting applications, though they are less energy-efficient compared to other types of bulbs.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The incandescent bulb provided a warm glow in the room.
- In the early 20th century, incandescent lighting revolutionized indoor spaces.
- Incandescent materials can create stunning visual effects when heated.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Light bulbs are often incandescent, producing light by heating a tungsten filament until it glows.
- The energy from incandescent lights is mostly waste heat, making them less efficient than modern LEDs.
Art and Literature
- In poetry, 'incandescent' is often used to describe passionate emotions or vibrant imagery.
- Famous works, like Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness,' use 'incandescent' to evoke intense imagery.
Culture
- Incandescent lighting has influenced artistic movements, emphasizing chiaroscuro, the play of light and shadow.
- The transition from incandescent to LED lights marked a significant shift towards more energy-efficient home lighting.
Technology
- One of the first practical light bulbs created by Thomas Edison in the late 1800s was incandescent.
- Modern technology continues to explore incandescent materials for uses in lasers and other advanced light applications.
Origin of 'incandescent'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'incandescere,' which means 'to glow white.'
- It first entered the English language in the early 19th century, connected to the development of light technology.
The word 'incandescent' originates from the Latin word 'incandescere', which means 'to glow white' or 'to become incandescent'. This Latin term is a combination of 'in-' meaning 'in' or 'into', and 'candescere', which is derived from 'candฤre', meaning 'to shine' or 'to be glowing'. The term began to be used in English in the early 19th century, particularly in relation to the science of heat and light. The invention of the incandescent light bulb in the late 19th century by Thomas Edison popularized the term, as it became a common descriptor for a new form of electric light that relied on this principle of incandescence. Today, the term continues to be used in both scientific contexts and everyday language to describe objects that emit light as a result of being heated.