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 Conservators noticed that its two wooden panels had shifted, and ultraviolet fluorescence revealed nicotine stains. Ella Feldman, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Sep. 2024 In most fluorometers, one pair of lenses focuses the light onto the sample, while another pair focuses the resulting fluorescence onto an integrated sensor. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2024 Researchers bombard samples with x-rays to trigger x-ray fluorescence (XRF) that reveals chemical composition. Bymichael Price, science.org, 5 Aug. 2024 Curators use a method called X-ray fluorescence to investigate the chemical makeup of book covers. Ashley Stimpson, Washington Post, 24 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for fluorescence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fluorescence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near fluorescence

Cite this Entry

“Fluorescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluorescence. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!