in·can·des·cence \ˌ ̷ ̷(ˌ) ̷ ̷ˈdesən(t)s\noun (-s) Etymology: probably from French, from incandescent : the quality or state of being incandescent < a single white flame, an incandescence of the passion of avarice — Van Wyck Brooks > usually: the glowing of a body due to its high temperature : emission by a hot body of radiation that renders it visible