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
The hotel can also arrange excursions to witness the bioluminescence at Laguna de Manialtepec.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
Scripps Oceanography scientists recently had the opportunity to look at the species, called Polykrikos kofoidii, in a new and unprecedented way, including its unique hunting behavior and ability to produce light through a chemical process known as bioluminescence.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026
The bioluminescence of Pyrocystis lunula algae was sustained using chemical solutions rather than physical agitation.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 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
See All Example Sentences for bioluminescence
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
Scripps Oceanography scientists recently had the opportunity to look at the species, called Polykrikos kofoidii, in a new and unprecedented way, including its unique hunting behavior and ability to produce light through a chemical process known as bioluminescence.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026
The bioluminescence of Pyrocystis lunula algae was sustained using chemical solutions rather than physical agitation.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 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
See All Example Sentences for bioluminescence
Cite this Entry
“Bioluminescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bioluminescence. Accessed 16 May. 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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