bioluminescence
[ bahy-oh-loo-muh-nes-uh ns ]
/ ˌbaɪ oʊˌlu məˈnɛs əns /
noun
the production of light by living organisms.
Nearby words
Origin of bioluminescence
Related formsbi·o·lu·mi·nes·cent, adjective
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for bioluminescent
bioluminescence
/ (ˌbaɪəʊˌluːmɪˈnɛsəns) /
noun
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
Derived Formsbioluminescent, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Science definitions for bioluminescent
bioluminescence
[ bī′ō-lōō′mə-nĕs′əns ]
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. Compare chemiluminescence.
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