bioluminescence
[ bahy-oh-loo-muh-nes-uhns ]
/ ˌbaɪ oʊˌlu məˈnɛs əns /
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noun
the production of light by living organisms.
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Origin of bioluminescence
First recorded in 1915–20; bio- + luminescence
OTHER WORDS FROM bioluminescence
bi·o·lu·mi·nes·cent, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use bioluminescence in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for bioluminescence
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 forms of bioluminescence
bioluminescent, adjectiveCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Scientific definitions for bioluminescence
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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