Lu`mi*nes"cence (?), n. [See
Luminescent.] 1. (Physics) Any
emission of light not ascribable directly to incandescence, and
therefore occurring at low temperatures, as in phosphorescence and
fluorescence or other luminous radiation resulting from vital
processes, chemical action, friction, solution, or the influence of
light or of ultraviolet or cathode rays, etc.
2. (Zoöl.) (a)
The faculty or power of voluntarily producing light, as in the
firefly and glowworm. (b) The light thus
produced; luminosity; phosphorescence.
Lu`mi*nes"cence (?), n. [See
Luminescent.] 1. (Physics) Any
emission of light not ascribable directly to incandescence, and
therefore occurring at low temperatures, as in phosphorescence and
fluorescence or other luminous radiation resulting from vital
processes, chemical action, friction, solution, or the influence of
light or of ultraviolet or cathode rays, etc.
2. (Zoöl.) (a)
The faculty or power of voluntarily producing light, as in the
firefly and glowworm. (b) The light thus
produced; luminosity; phosphorescence.
