Electroluminescent wire (often abbreviate to EL wire) is a thin copper wire coated in a phosphor which glows when an AC voltage is applied to it. It can be used to decorate vehicles or structures, much as rope light or Christmas lights are often used. Unlike these types of strand lights, EL wire is not a series of points but produces an unbroken line of visible light. Moreover, it is extremely thin and flexible, and thus may be used, for example, in clothing or costumes.