1. producing or transmitting light
Usage: scientific; formal
2. relating to the hypothetical medium once thought to carry light waves through space
Usage: historical; physics; obsolete

Examples

• The luminiferous properties of certain minerals fascinated early scientists.
• Fireflies are luminiferous insects that create their own light through chemical reactions.
• The luminiferous ether was a theoretical concept abandoned after Einstein’s relativity theory.
• Ancient astronomers wondered about the luminiferous nature of stars.
• The luminiferous quality of phosphorus was discovered in the 17th century.
• Scientists once believed space was filled with a luminiferous medium.