fluorescence

noun

fluo·​res·​cence flu̇-ˈre-sᵊn(t)s 

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

Synonyms

• blaze
• flare
• glare
• gleam
• glow
• illumination
• incandescence
• light
• luminescence
• radiance
• shine

Examples of fluorescence in a Sentence

studied the fluorescence of certain elements

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to multispectral imaging, the researchers also used X-ray fluorescence, which surveys elemental composition, and fiber-optic reflectance spectroscopy, which analyzes pigments. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025

And rendering specialists need it to accurately simulate real-world optical effects like dispersion (rainbows from prisms, for example) and fluorescence. —ArsTechnica, 28 Mar. 2025

In the past, researchers monitored early signs of plant stress by taking small samples or observing changes in fluorescence. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2025

Taking samples can damage a plant and induce stress of its own and looking for fluorescence changes can be difficult to clearly detect. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

fluorspar + opalescence

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fluorescence

• excrescence
• quiescence
• quintessence
• senescence
• acquiescence
• adolescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• effervescence
• efflorescence
• evanescence
• incandescence

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 

: 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

-ˈes-ᵊnt 

adjective

fluorescently adverb