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
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
The afterglow phosphor compound – which is similar to those found in glow-in-the-dark toys – is inexpensive, biocompatible, and negates the need for more complex methods of infusing bioluminescence in plants, like genetic modification.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bioluminescence
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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
The afterglow phosphor compound – which is similar to those found in glow-in-the-dark toys – is inexpensive, biocompatible, and negates the need for more complex methods of infusing bioluminescence in plants, like genetic modification.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 28 Aug. 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 2 Oct. 2025.
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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