How Do You Spell INCANDESCENT?

Pronunciation: [ˌɪnkɐndˈɛsənt] (IPA)

The word "incandescent" is spelled with the prefix "in-" meaning "not" and the stem "candescent" meaning "glowing or shining brightly." The correct pronunciation of "incandescent" is [ɪn.kən.ˈdɛs.ənt]. The first syllable "in-" is pronounced as "in" with a short "i" sound. The next syllable "-can-" is pronounced with a short "a" sound followed by a silent "d." The final syllable "-descent" is pronounced with a short "e" sound, followed by "s" and "-ent" with a schwa sound.

INCANDESCENT Meaning and Definition

1. Incandescent, as an adjective, is commonly used to describe something that emits light as a result of being heated to a high temperature. It is often associated with very bright and glowing light. When an object is said to be incandescent, it means that it is producing light through the emission of high levels of heat, typically by reaching a white or glowing state.

   In a broader sense, incandescent can also be used figuratively to describe someone or something that exudes intense passion, fiery enthusiasm, or radiant brilliance. This usage often highlights qualities such as illumination, brightness, or intense emotion.

   Derived from the Latin word "incandescere" meaning "to glow," the term incandescent is commonly employed to describe various sources of light, such as incandescent light bulbs or the incandescent glow of a fire. It specifically refers to the emission of visible light resulting from the release of thermal energy.

   Overall, incandescent carries connotations of bright, fiery, and illuminating qualities, both in terms of the literal emission of light as well as describing intense passion or brilliance in a metaphorical sense.

2. White hot.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. White or glowing with heat.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for INCANDESCENT *

• incandecent 27.2727272%
• incadescent 15.9090909%
• incandesent 13.6363636%
• incandescents 11.3636363%
• incadecent 6.8181818%
• incandescant 6.8181818%
• incandscent 4.5454545%
• incandessant 4.5454545%
• icandesent 4.5454545%
• incondescents 4.5454545%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for INCANDESCENT

• incandencent
• incondesent
• incandecient
• incandesents
• incandesant
• incamndescent
• incondescent
• incandesce
• incandesceent
• incandessent
• incadescents
• Inconsescent
• Incedescent

Etymology of INCANDESCENT

The word "incandescent" comes from the Latin word "incandescens", which is the present participle of "incandescere". In Latin, "in-" denotes intensity, and "candescere" means "to become glowing white". The Latin root word for "incandescere" is "candēre", meaning "to shine" or "to be bright". The term "incandescent" was first introduced in the 18th century to describe something white or glowing with heat, later expanding its meaning to refer to electric lights as well.

Similar spelling words for INCANDESCENT

• in concert,
• in chains,
• incandescence,
• incandesce.