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, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use bioluminescence in a sentence

As a result, the chemical structures that create bioluminescence vary wildly — from single chains of atoms to massive ringed complexes.
Ocean acidification may make some species glow brighter|Bethany Brookshire|January 11, 2021|Science News
It is exciting that the researchers found a gene associated with bioluminescence, said the University of Kansas' Martin in an email to Popular Science.
We finally know why sea pickles glow|María Paula Rubiano A.|October 22, 2020|Popular-Science
This study found a gene similar to the one in animals like jellyfish, which could mean that animals using bioluminescence could have a common ancestor.
We finally know why sea pickles glow|María Paula Rubiano A.|October 22, 2020|Popular-Science
Other people might have seen bioluminescence in ocean waters.
Let’s learn about bioluminescence|Bethany Brookshire|July 1, 2020|Science News For Students

These glowing insects are often a person’s first experience with bioluminescence.
Let’s learn about bioluminescence|Bethany Brookshire|July 1, 2020|Science News For Students

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, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.