bioluminescence

noun

bio·​lu·​mi·​nes·​cence ˌbī-ō-ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce bioluminescence (audio)
: the emission of light from living organisms (such as fireflies, dinoflagellates, and bacteria) as the result of internal, typically oxidative chemical reactions
also : the light so produced
bioluminescent adjective

Examples of bioluminescence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But because firefly remains from this period can be difficult to come by since the insects’ softer bodies don’t preserve well in the fossil record, the evolution of the beetles and their bioluminescence has been difficult to pinpoint, experts say. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024 That strong showing also bodes well for more nights with bioluminescence. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024 That means less than 20% of the light produced via bioluminescence generates thermal radiation (heat). Mariyam Muhammad, The Enquirer, 4 June 2024 August through November, Tomales Bay tends to have more nights of bioluminescence, because the water is warmer and calmer—especially enjoyable conditions for night kayakers. Tasha Zemke, Outside Online, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bioluminescence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bioluminescence.' 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

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bioluminescence was in 1916

Dictionary Entries Near bioluminescence

Cite this Entry

“Bioluminescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bioluminescence. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

bioluminescence

noun
bio·​lu·​mi·​nes·​cence ˌbī-ō-ˌlü-mə-ˈnes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce bioluminescence (audio)
: the emission of light from living organisms
also : the light so produced
bioluminescent adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on bioluminescence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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