fluoresce

verb

fluo·​resce flu̇-ˈres 

flȯ-

fluoresced; fluorescing

intransitive verb

: to produce, undergo, or exhibit fluorescence

fluorescer noun

Examples of fluoresce in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

PacBio uses special versions of the four bases that have been engineered to fluoresce in a characteristic color when exposed to ultraviolet light. —IEEE Spectrum, 2 Oct. 2025

This molecule, made of two carbon atoms bonded together, is known to fluoresce a green glow when energized by sunlight. —Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2025

One of these genes produces a protein that becomes active when the bacteria come into contact with plastic, while the other gene produces another protein which fluoresces green in response to the first one. —New Atlas, 12 Sep. 2025

Previous studies revealed the Solnhofen limestone fossils possess a unique chemical composition that causes their soft tissues to fluoresce. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 14 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from fluorescence

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fluoresce

• abbess
• abscess
• access
• address
• assess
• caress
• confess
• depress
• digress
• distress
• egress
• excess

Kids Definition

fluoresce

verb

flu·​o·​resce

ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈes

fluoresced; fluorescing

: to produce, exhibit, or be exposed to fluorescence

Medical Definition

fluoresce

intransitive verb

flu·​o·​resce ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈes  flōr-  flȯr- 

fluoresced; fluorescing

: to produce, undergo, or exhibit fluorescence

fluorescer noun