bioluminescence

noun

bio·​lu·​mi·​nes·​cence ˌbī-ō-ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊn(t)s 

: the emission of light from living organisms (such as fireflies, dinoflagellates, and bacteria) as the result of internal, typically oxidative chemical reactions

also : the light so produced

bioluminescent

ˌbī-ō-ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊnt 

adjective

Examples of bioluminescence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers theorize the pigment allows the fish to spot bioluminescence, giving it an additional tool to maneuver through the murky depths. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2026

Visual effects supervisor Guillaume Rocheron, who worked on Jordan Peele’s Nope, rigged the LED lighting in the stomach to eventually render as the bioluminescence that then helps illuminate Jay’s environment. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026

Over the past decade, ctenophores have helped answer long-standing questions about fundamental biology, from how early nervous systems evolved to the origins of the mesmerizing phenomenon of bioluminescence. — Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 16 Sep. 2026

The two campers died after heading out to see the bay’s famous bioluminescence, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bioluminescence

• acquiescence
• adolescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• effervescence
• efflorescence
• evanescence
• incandescence
• inflorescence
• iridescence
• luminescence
• obsolescence

Medical Definition

bioluminescence

noun

bio·​lu·​mi·​nes·​cence ˌbī-ō-ˌlü-mə-ˈnes-ᵊn(t)s 

: the emission of light from living organisms

also : the light so produced

bioluminescent

-ᵊnt 

adjective