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

Example Sentences

Moore noted that scientists have discussed using bioluminescence to study brain activity for decades, but until now, no one had succeeded in making the light bright enough for detailed imaging.

From Science Daily

The robot searched through her computer brain and found words like plankton and bioluminescence.

From Literature

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

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

Scientists believe that algae use bioluminescence as a defense mechanism — to scare off hungry sea creatures or call attention to their location, which draws the predators’ predators.

From Los Angeles Times