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
Examples of bioluminescence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One of their most distinctive traits is bioluminescence.
—
Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
In the summertime, certain bodies of water on Florida's Space Coast (roughly Titusville down to the villages of Grant and Valkaria) get an incredible nighttime show thanks to a natural phenomenon called bioluminescence.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
The pair have invented a Bioluminator that detects and amplifies bioluminescence — the biochemical emission of light by living organisms.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
This stunningly beautiful scientific film features footage of the elusive giant squid in its natural habitat, and the earliest images of deep-sea bioluminescence.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bioluminescence
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Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
In the summertime, certain bodies of water on Florida's Space Coast (roughly Titusville down to the villages of Grant and Valkaria) get an incredible nighttime show thanks to a natural phenomenon called bioluminescence.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
The pair have invented a Bioluminator that detects and amplifies bioluminescence — the biochemical emission of light by living organisms.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
This stunningly beautiful scientific film features footage of the elusive giant squid in its natural habitat, and the earliest images of deep-sea bioluminescence.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bioluminescence
Cite this Entry
“Bioluminescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bioluminescence. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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