fluoresce

verb

fluo·​resce flu̇-ˈres 

flȯ-

fluoresced; fluorescing

intransitive verb

: to produce, undergo, or exhibit fluorescence

fluorescer noun

Examples of fluoresce in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pinal was asked to produce 50,000 proteins that could fluoresce like GFP. — ArsTechnica, 27 Oct. 2026

Because the molecules fluoresce under specific wavelengths, researchers are currently exploring whether similar compounds could be used as biological imaging tools. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Mar. 2026

Scientists also referenced research suggesting scorpion exoskeletons can fluoresce under ultraviolet light and may function as a light-sensing surface. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2026

Scientists referenced research suggesting that scorpion exoskeletons can fluoresce under ultraviolet light and may function as a light-sensing surface. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from fluorescence

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fluoresce

• abbess
• abscess
• access
• address
• assess
• caress
• confess
• depress
• digress
• distress
• egress
• excess

Kids Definition

fluoresce

verb

flu·​o·​resce

ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈes

fluoresced; fluorescing

: to produce, exhibit, or be exposed to fluorescence

Medical Definition

fluoresce

intransitive verb

flu·​o·​resce ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈes  flōr-  flȯr- 

fluoresced; fluorescing

: to produce, undergo, or exhibit fluorescence

fluorescer noun