incandescent [L18th] This comes via French, from Latin incandescere ‘glow’, based on candidus ‘white’ (see candidate). The prefix in- here intensifies the meaning. The incense [ME] that you burn comes from the related candere ‘to glow’, while the verb meaning ‘to inflame with anger’ comes from the related incendere ‘set fire to’ also found in incendiary [LME].