Incandescent
Adjective
Definition: Emitting light as a result of being heated; glowing with heat.
Definition: Passionate or brilliant in some way; characterized by intense emotion, passion, or brilliance.
Synonyms: Glowing, Radiant, Fiery, Brilliant, Passionate
Antonyms: Dim, Dull, Cold, Unemotional
- The incandescent light bulb illuminated the room.
- She delivered an incandescent performance in the play.
- Think of an incandescent light bulb glowing brightly when heated.
- Connect the word with intense emotion or brilliance.
Etymology:
The word "incandescent" comes from the Latin word "incandescens," which is the present participle of "incandescere," meaning "to glow white, become white-hot." The Latin word is derived from the prefix "in-" (meaning "in" or "into") and "candescere," which means "to become white."
Historical Usage:The word originated in the mid-18th century and has been used to describe the emission of light by heated objects. It later expanded to encompass the metaphorical meaning of intensity or passion.
Related Idioms:
"Incandescent with rage"
Explanation:Describing someone who is extremely angry or furious.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "incandescent" with "fluorescent" or "LED" lights.
Explanation:While fluorescent and LED lights can also emit light, they operate on different principles and use different technologies compared to incandescent lights. "Incandescent" specifically refers to the emission of light by heating a filament until it glows.