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
Stretching to the pointed edge of the property is a 62-foot-long rectangular infinity pool adorned with mosaic tiles in swirling shapes that mimic the greenish glow of bioluminescence.
—
Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 3 Oct. 2025
Steven Haddock studies marine diversity, molecular biology, and bioluminescence at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and the University of California, Santa Cruz.
—Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
The effect is an otherworldly terrestrial landscape that hints at underwater environments like nearly-violet bioluminescence.
—Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
NightFlight Expedition boasts a custom amphibious ride vehicle that interacts with multimedia projections, dynamic onboard and offboard audio, as well as special lighting effects to take guests on an unforgettable journey through Great Smoky Mountains National Park in search of bioluminescence.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025
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Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 3 Oct. 2025
Steven Haddock studies marine diversity, molecular biology, and bioluminescence at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and the University of California, Santa Cruz.
—Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
The effect is an otherworldly terrestrial landscape that hints at underwater environments like nearly-violet bioluminescence.
—Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
NightFlight Expedition boasts a custom amphibious ride vehicle that interacts with multimedia projections, dynamic onboard and offboard audio, as well as special lighting effects to take guests on an unforgettable journey through Great Smoky Mountains National Park in search of bioluminescence.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 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 23 Oct. 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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