Luminescence: meaning, definitions and examples
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luminescence
[ ˌluː.mɪˈnɛs.əns ]
scientific phenomenon
Luminescence is the emission of light by a substance that has not been heated, as in fluorescence and phosphorescence. It is a process that occurs when electrons in a substance absorb energy, which then causes them to emit light as they return to their ground state. This phenomenon can be observed in various contexts, including biological systems, chemical reactions, and certain materials exposed to ultraviolet light. Luminescence is critical in fields such as chemistry, biology, and physics, where understanding light emission can lead to significant advancements in technology and research.
Synonyms
glow, light emission, radiance, shine
Examples of usage
- The luminescence of the jellyfish is a fascinating example of bioluminescence.
- Scientists study the luminescence of minerals to understand their properties better.
- The luminescence effect in glow sticks is a popular demonstration of chemical reactions.
- Some organisms use luminescence to attract mates or warn predators.
Translations
Translations of the word "luminescence" in other languages:
🇵🇹 luminescência
🇮🇳 दीप्ति
🇩🇪 Lumineszenz
🇮🇩 luminesensi
🇺🇦 люмінесценція
🇵🇱 luminescencja
🇯🇵 発光
🇫🇷 luminescence
🇪🇸 luminescencia
🇹🇷 lüminesans
🇰🇷 발광
🇸🇦 تألق
🇨🇿 luminescence
🇸🇰 luminescencia
🇨🇳 发光
🇸🇮 luminescenca
🇮🇸 ljóma
🇰🇿 люминесценция
🇬🇪 ლუმინესცენცია
🇦🇿 lüminesans
🇲🇽 luminescencia
Word origin
The term 'luminescence' is derived from the Latin word 'lumen' meaning 'light' and the suffix '-escence', which indicates a process, derived from the French 'escence'. The word was first used in the late 19th century to describe the phenomenon of light emission that does not involve heat. Initially, it was used primarily in scientific contexts to understand various physical phenomena, such as fluorescence discovered by Sir George Stokes and phosphorescence. As research expanded, luminescence gained importance in diverse fields including biology, where it describes bioluminescence in organisms like fireflies and certain fungi, and chemistry, where it is vital in studying the properties of materials. The growing interest in luminescent materials has fueled advancements in technology, such as LED lighting and various display technologies, making luminescence a crucial concept in both scientific and industrial contexts.