bioluminescence

American  

[bahy-oh-loo-muh-nes-uhns] / ˌbaɪ oʊˌlu məˈnɛs əns /

noun

1. the production of light by living organisms.

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bioluminescence British  

/ ˌbaɪəʊˌluːmɪˈnɛsəns /

noun

1. the production of light by living organisms as a result of the oxidation of a light-producing substance (luciferin) by the enzyme luciferase: occurs in many marine organisms, insects such as the firefly, etc

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bioluminescence Scientific  

/ bī′ō-lo̅o̅′mə-nĕs′əns /

1. The emission of light by living organisms, such as fireflies, glowworms, and certain fish, jellyfish, plankton, fungi, and bacteria. It occurs when a pigment (usually luciferin) is oxidized without giving off heat. Although it is believed that bioluminescence is involved in animal communication, its function in many organisms has yet to be understood. Bioluminescence is a form of chemiluminescence.

2. Compare chemiluminescence

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Other Word Forms

• bioluminescent adjective

Etymology

Origin of bioluminescence

First recorded in 1915–20; bio- + luminescence

Explanation

Bioluminescence is light emitted by a living organism. There's something magical about the bioluminescence of a valley full of fireflies on a summer night. Fireflies may be the most familiar example of bioluminescence, but plenty of other animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria also have the ability to generate a glowing light. Most of these organisms live in the deepest part of the ocean, including jellyfish, about half of which use bioluminescence to defend themselves against predators. The bio- part of the word means "living thing," and luminescence is from the Latin root lumen, or "light."

Example Sentences

The submersibles also offer unique experiences, including the flashes of light called bioluminescence that many deep-sea animals produce to communicate, for defence, or to attract mates.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

Many species in the deep sea have developed adaptations like bioluminescence or large eyes that help them navigate the dark waters.

From Salon • May 21, 2025

The mollusk lights up using bioluminescence when threatened to distract predators, researchers said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2024

The graphics are refreshingly weird, coloring old-fashioned pixel art with an eerie bioluminescence, and the soundtrack is filled with spooky echoes.

From Seattle Times • May 5, 2024

But here, the bioluminescence is turquoise like the glowworm caves in New Zealand.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera