faisceau lumineux
The French phrase for "beam of light" is faisceau lumineux.
Faisceau lumineux refers to a concentrated stream of light emanating from a specific source.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun faisceau literally means a bundle or a sheaf, such as a bundle of sticks.
Which one should you use?
Faisceau lumineux is often used for intense beams like lasers or spotlights, whereas rayon de lumière (ray of light) is a common alternative used interchangeably in less technical contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase faisceau lumineux is masculine, so any accompanying adjectives must also be in the masculine form.
Did you know?
- The word faisceau shares a common ancestor with the English word 'fascist', as both stem from the Latin 'fascis' meaning a bundle.
- The phrase un faisceau d'indices is a common French idiom meaning 'a body of evidence' or a collection of clues.
- The word faisceau is used in French mathematics to describe a 'pencil' or a family of geometric lines that all pass through a single point.
Examples in context
- Un faisceau lumineux traverse la forêt.A beam of light crosses the forest.
- Le laser projette un faisceau lumineux.The laser projects a beam of light.
- J'ai vu un faisceau lumineux dans le ciel.I saw a beam of light in the sky.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are watching a light show in a dark park.
- HugoRegarde ce magnifique faisceau lumineux !Look at that magnificent beam of light!
- ManonOui, il est vraiment impressionnant.Yes, it is truly impressive.
- HugoD'où vient ce faisceau lumineux ?Where is this beam of light coming from?
- ManonIl vient de la scène principale.It comes from the main stage.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries faisceau, lumineux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
