fluorescent light

[flo͝o-ˈre-sənt līt / fluˈɹɛsənt laɪt]
nounfemininepl: fluorescent lights / luzes fluorescentes
luz fluorescente
1. An electric lamp that produces light by passing an electric current through a gas (usually mercury vapor) inside a phosphor-coated tube, creating visible light through fluorescence
The office was lit entirely by fluorescent lights.
O escritório era iluminado inteiramente por luzes fluorescentes.
2. A type of energy-efficient lighting commonly used in commercial, industrial, and residential settings
We replaced the old incandescent bulbs with fluorescent lights to save electricity.
Substituímos as lâmpadas incandescentes antigas por luzes fluorescentes para economizar eletricidade.
Fluorescent lights were extremely popular in Brazil from the 1980s through early 2000s for both commercial and residential use due to energy efficiency. They remain common in offices, schools, and hospitals. In the USA, fluorescent lighting became ubiquitous in workplaces and is often associated with office culture. Recently, both countries have been transitioning to LED technology due to environmental concerns and superior energy efficiency.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
fluorescent lampfluorescent tubeneon lightCFL (compact fluorescent light)
Antonyms / Antônimos
incandescent lightLED lighthalogen light

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
luz fluorescente
Most common term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
lâmpada fluorescente
Commonly refers to the entire fluorescent unit
São Paulo
tubo fluorescente
Emphasizes the tube form, common in commercial contexts
Portugal
lâmpada fluorescente / luz fluorescente
Both terms used; slightly less common than in Brazil due to LED adoption

Related Words

phosphorescenceluminescenceultravioletballastlampbulbillumination

Related Idioms & Phrases

under fluorescent lights - working in an office or institutional environment
the harsh glare of fluorescent lighting - metaphor for uncomfortable artificial conditions
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →