luminescences
Light without heat
Luminescences is the plural of luminescence—the emission of light not caused by heat, as in bioluminescence from fireflies or the glow of phosphorescent materials.
The plural appears when distinguishing types or instances: The various luminescences of deep-sea creatures have evolved independently.
Faint, wavering light
- gleamFaint reflected light
- shimmerTremulous, wavering light
- twinkleShine with flickering light
- sparkleEmit flashing light
glint · flicker · glisten · scintillation · coruscation · iridescence · opalescence · pearlescence
Heatless delayed light emission
- fireflyBioluminescent nocturnal beetle
- glowwormBioluminescent beetle larva
- dinoflagellateDual-flagellated marine microorganism
- jellyfishDrifting marine stinger
anglerfish · foxfire · plankton · deep-sea · algae · fungi · bacteria · marine
Exceptional intelligence or luster
- effulgenceRadiant brightness pouring forth
- resplendenceImpressive, dazzling brilliance
- refulgenceShining with intense light
- incandescenceLight from heated objects
dazzle · glow · shine · splendor · intensity · brightness · emission · neon
Atmospheric light display
- aurora borealisHigh-latitude luminous sky phenomenon
- aurora australisAntarctic atmospheric light display
- airglowAtmospheric nocturnal luminescence
- moonshineIllegally distilled spirits
starlight · earthshine · nightglow · skyglow · ionosphere · solar wind · magnetic field · polar lights
glimmer
Faint, wavering light
sparkle · glint · flicker · glisten · scintillation · coruscation · iridescence · opalescence · pearlescence · nacre
phosphorescence
Heatless delayed light emission
- fireflyBioluminescent nocturnal beetle
- glowwormBioluminescent beetle larva
- dinoflagellateDual-flagellated marine microorganism
jellyfish · anglerfish · foxfire · plankton · deep-sea · algae · fungi · bacteria · marine · nocturnal
brilliance
Exceptional intelligence or luster
- effulgenceRadiant brightness pouring forth
- resplendenceImpressive, dazzling brilliance
- refulgenceShining with intense light
incandescence · dazzle · glow · shine · splendor · intensity · brightness · emission · neon · blacklight
aurora
Atmospheric light display
- aurora borealisHigh-latitude luminous sky phenomenon
- aurora australisAntarctic atmospheric light display
- airglowAtmospheric nocturnal luminescence
moonshine · starlight · earthshine · nightglow · skyglow · ionosphere · solar wind · magnetic field · polar lights · corona
luminescencesdarknesses
Conditions lacking light
blacknesses · dullnesses · obscurities · shadows · opacities
luminescence, bioluminescence, chemiluminescence, electroluminescence, photoluminescence