incandescent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite emitting light as a result of being heated
    candent.
    • an incandescent bulb
  2. adjective satellite characterized by ardent emotion or intensity or brilliance
    • an incandescent performance

WordNet

In`can*des"cent adjective
Etymology
L. incandecens, -entis, p. pr. of incandescere to become warm or hot; pref. in- in + candescere to become of a glittering whiteness, to become red hot, incho. fr. candere to be of a glittering whiteness: cf. F. incandescent. See Candle.
Definitions
  1. White, glowing, or luminous, with intense heat; as, incandescent carbon or platinum; hence, clear; shining; brilliant.
    Holy Scripture become resplendent; or, as one might say, incandescent throughout. I. Taylor.
    incandescent bulb -- the light bulb used in an incandescent lamp; contrasted with fluorescent lamp and fluorescent bulb

Webster 1913