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 of fluorescence

• glow
• glare
• light
• gleam
• luminescence
• illumination

Examples of fluorescence in a Sentence

studied the fluorescence of certain elements

Recent Examples on the Web

While that sounds much more intuitive, a technique called X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy reveals that what’s on the surface might not be the whole story. —Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 11 June 2026

Also indicative of a dense shroud of gas were signs of fluorescence and helium-absorbing radiation. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 June 2026

To further develop the engine, the team plans to investigate light-emitting materials with shorter fluorescence lifetimes and tunable emission bandwidths, which can further speed up data rates. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 23 May 2026

For a time, Schoenbrun’s new film plays things relatively straight, eschewing the bright colors and black-light fluorescence of the non-binary director’s first two films. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 12 May 2026

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