incandescent lamp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incandescent lamp" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a type of electric light that produces light by heating a filament until it glows. Example: "The room was illuminated by a warm glow from the incandescent lamp on the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

See incandescent lamp; lamp.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More-practical lighting could be obtained from an incandescent lamp.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There he created the incandescent lamp and the phonograph and pioneered motion-picture technology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A rare few represent discontinuous breakthroughs, such as the incandescent lamp, alternating electric current or the jet engine.

The Economist

In 1890, after the introduction of electric lighting, the incandescent gas mantle was developed (see incandescent lamp).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Incandescent lamp, any of various devices that produce light by heating a suitable material to a high temperature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Indeed, thanks to the incandescent lamp, electric lighting became an accepted part of urban life by 1900.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Edison had first worked on the separator when he was searching for platinum for use in the experimental incandescent lamp.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Frederick de Moleyns of England was granted the first patent for an incandescent lamp in 1841; he used powdered charcoal heated between two platinum wires.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first theatrical spotlight was the limelight, which gave way to such light sources as the arc, electric discharge, and incandescent lamp.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With the introduction of inner fluorescent coatings, the fluorescent light was developed and began to replace the incandescent lamp in industrial and certain home-lighting uses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience. For technical or historical writing, "incandescent lamp" adds a level of formality and precision suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "incandescent lamp" in casual conversation where "light bulb" is more appropriate. Overly technical language can sound pretentious or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incandescent lamp" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific type of electric light source. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English when referring to a light bulb that produces light by heating a filament.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

32%

News & Media

34%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incandescent lamp" is a grammatically correct noun phrase widely used to refer to a type of electric light that produces light by heating a filament. While often interchangeable with the more common term "light bulb", "incandescent lamp" carries a slightly more formal or technical connotation. Ludwig AI validates its appropriateness in written English. Usage is very common across encyclopedias, news & media and science publications. When choosing between "incandescent lamp" and "light bulb", consider your audience and the context. Use "light bulb" for general conversation and "incandescent lamp" for technical or historical discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

light bulb

A more common and general term for an electric lamp that produces light from a heated filament.

electric light bulb

Specifies that the light bulb is powered by electricity.

filament lamp

Focuses on the filament as the source of light in the lamp.

Edison's lamp

Highlights the historical invention aspect, referring to Thomas Edison's contribution.

traditional light bulb

Emphasizes the conventional design and technology of the bulb.

conventional bulb

Similar to traditional light bulb, emphasizing common usage.

glowing filament lamp

Draws attention to the glowing filament that produces light.

thermal radiator lamp

More technically accurate, describing light emission through heat.

tungsten lamp

Specifies the material of the filament, which is typically tungsten.

electric illuminant

A broader, more formal term for a source of electric light.

FAQs

What is another name for an incandescent lamp?

Another common name for an "incandescent lamp" is "light bulb", which is more frequently used in everyday conversation.

How does an incandescent lamp work?

An "incandescent lamp" produces light by heating a filament inside a glass bulb until it glows. This process is known as incandescence.

What are some alternatives to "incandescent lamp" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use "light bulb", "electric light bulb", or "filament lamp".

Is it correct to say "incandescent light" instead of "incandescent lamp"?

While "incandescent light" is understandable, "incandescent lamp" is the more precise and commonly used term to refer to the device itself.