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
That means that the bioluminescence that other creatures use to camouflage themselves can be distinguished.
—
Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2025
Now, researchers at Mass General Brigham have made a breakthrough by mixing up the recipe for that chemical reaction, creating a bioluminescence diagnostic tool that's 515 times brighter and eight times more enduring than current models.
—Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 3 June 2025
Eerie bioluminescence From June to October, the rivers and lagoons of Florida’s Space Coast glow an otherworldly blue thanks to the natural bioluminescence of dinoflagellates and comb jellies.
—Emily Matchar, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Jan. 2025
From June to October, this biodiverse estuary near Titusville comes alive with bioluminescence.
—Alexandra Gillespie, Outside Online, 28 Apr. 2025
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Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2025
Now, researchers at Mass General Brigham have made a breakthrough by mixing up the recipe for that chemical reaction, creating a bioluminescence diagnostic tool that's 515 times brighter and eight times more enduring than current models.
—Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 3 June 2025
Eerie bioluminescence From June to October, the rivers and lagoons of Florida’s Space Coast glow an otherworldly blue thanks to the natural bioluminescence of dinoflagellates and comb jellies.
—Emily Matchar, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Jan. 2025
From June to October, this biodiverse estuary near Titusville comes alive with bioluminescence.
—Alexandra Gillespie, Outside Online, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bioluminescence
Cite this Entry
“Bioluminescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bioluminescence. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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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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