fluorescence

noun

fluo·​res·​cence flu̇-ˈre-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce fluorescence (audio)
flȯ-
: luminescence that is caused by the absorption of radiation at one wavelength followed by nearly immediate reradiation usually at a different wavelength and that ceases almost at once when the incident radiation stops
also : the radiation emitted compare phosphorescence

Examples of fluorescence in a Sentence

studied the fluorescence of certain elements
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kenny Travouillon, a terrestrial zoology curator at Western Australian Museum, said that the findings of the new study further confirm that fluorescence is common in mammals. Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025 Even the fluorescence from tiny ruby crystals helped measure the pressure, while Raman spectroscopy revealed how the water molecules were dancing inside. Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025 Measuring this fluorescence allows scientists to calculate how many atoms are in the trap. IEEE Spectrum, 24 Sep. 2025 Some subdomains showed higher fluorescence intensity and spectral shifts, marking denser and chemically altered environments. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fluorescence

Word History

Etymology

fluorspar + opalescence

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fluorescence was in 1852

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fluorescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluorescence. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

fluorescence

noun
flu·​o·​res·​cence
ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈes-ᵊn(t)s
: the giving off of radiation usually as visible light when exposed to radiation from another source (as ultraviolet light)
also : the radiation given off

Medical Definition

fluorescence

noun
flu·​o·​res·​cence -ˈes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce fluorescence (audio)
: luminescence that is caused by the absorption of radiation at one wavelength followed by nearly immediate reradiation usually at a different wavelength and that ceases almost immediately when the incident radiation stops
also : the radiation emitted
fluorescent adjective
fluorescently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on fluorescence

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