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
It is thought to be the ultimate contrast to their brighter colors generated by bioluminescence.
—
Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 23 Feb. 2025
Related article Spider forces male fireflies to flash like females to set a lethal trap, scientists say
Living organisms produce light in two ways: bioluminescence and biofluorescence.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025
This particular form of bioluminescence is caused by a chemical reaction of the substrate luciferin and enzyme luciferase, which combine to emit light.
—Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
Each evening, the crystal-clear water erupted in a kaleidoscope of bioluminescence, while Reiki students could dig up amethyst and tourmaline from crystal seams that crisscrossed the island.
—Charlie Campbell, TIME, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bioluminescence
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Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 23 Feb. 2025
Related article Spider forces male fireflies to flash like females to set a lethal trap, scientists say
Living organisms produce light in two ways: bioluminescence and biofluorescence.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025
This particular form of bioluminescence is caused by a chemical reaction of the substrate luciferin and enzyme luciferase, which combine to emit light.
—Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
Each evening, the crystal-clear water erupted in a kaleidoscope of bioluminescence, while Reiki students could dig up amethyst and tourmaline from crystal seams that crisscrossed the island.
—Charlie Campbell, TIME, 17 Mar. 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 4 May. 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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