Emitting light or heat without flame; shining with warmth or enthusiasm. As a verb, the present participle of glow, meaning to emit steady light or show strong emotion.
From Old English 'glowan' meaning 'to glow, shine as if red-hot,' related to Dutch 'gloeien.' The figurative sense of showing enthusiasm or health developed in Middle English from the idea of inner fire.
We describe both hot coals and pregnant women as 'glowing,' showing how language connects physical warmth with emotional radiance. The word beautifully captures how inner vitality manifests as visible brightness.
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