The root word lum means “light,” appearing in such words as a luminary and illuminate. With this in mind, along with any relevant context clues, write your best definition of the word luminous.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The word luminous is an adjective that describes something that emits or reflects light. It is derived from the Latin word luminosus, which means “full of light” or “shining.” Given that the root word lum refers to “light,” we can infer that luminous describes anything that is brightly lit or glows in the dark.
For example, stars in the night sky are often described as luminous because they emit light. Similarly, a luminous object could refer to something that is shining or radiating light, like a glowing lamp or a firefly. The word is commonly used to describe objects, materials, or even people that give off light or seem to shine.
In addition to its physical sense, luminous can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is intellectually radiant or exceptionally bright, such as a luminous mind or a luminous idea. In this context, the word signifies clarity, brilliance, or extraordinary insight.
In the natural world, we encounter luminous phenomena such as bioluminescent organisms like certain species of jellyfish or fungi, which have the ability to produce their own light through chemical reactions in their bodies. In a more everyday sense, luminous can refer to objects that reflect light strongly, making them appear bright, such as a luminous watch dial or luminous paint.
In summary, luminous generally refers to anything that shines or gives off light, whether through its own properties or through reflecting light from another source. The use of the word invokes brightness, clarity, and radiance in both literal and figurative ways.
