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adjective

incandescent

ihn-kan-DEHS-uhnt

Incandescent (adjective) means giving off light because it has been heated to a very high temperature. Example: “The old incandescent light bulb glowed with a warm yellow light.”

adjective
1
Giving off light because it has been heated to a very high temperature.
"The old incandescent light bulb glowed with a warm yellow light."
2
Extremely angry.
"He was incandescent with rage after discovering the betrayal."

How to use incandescent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGlowing hot with light, or, figuratively, burning with intense anger.

Common pairings
incandescent light bulb incandescent with rage incandescent performance

Word forms

more incandescent comparative, incandescents plural, most incandescent superlative

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The old _____ light bulb glowed with a warm yellow light.

Etymology

From French incandescent, from Latin incandescere, "to glow white-hot" — in- plus candescere, "to become white."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for incandescent

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Frequently asked questions

What does “incandescent” mean?

The word “incandescent” means giving off light because it has been heated to a very high temperature. In plain terms, glowing hot with light, or, figuratively, burning with intense anger.

How do you pronounce “incandescent”?

“Incandescent” is pronounced ihn-kan-DEHS-uhnt (/ˌɪn.kænˈdɛs.ənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “incandescent” in a sentence?

Here is “incandescent” used in a sentence: “The old incandescent light bulb glowed with a warm yellow light.”

What part of speech is “incandescent”?

“Incandescent” is an adjective.

Where does the word “incandescent” come from?

The word “incandescent” comes from Latin. From French incandescent, from Latin incandescere, "to glow white-hot" — in- plus candescere, "to become white.".

How many meanings does “incandescent” have?

“Incandescent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: giving off light because it has been heated to a very high temperature.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial