Dictionary.com
definitions

bioluminescence

[bahy-oh-loo-muh-nes-uh ns]

noun

the production of light by living organisms.

RELATED CONTENT

Glow-in the-dark squid? Plus, what’s the amazing, vicious difference between squid and octopi?
On a recent expedition to explore the seamounts in the southern Indian Ocean by scientists, a new species of large squid was discovered. A specimen of the new species, which can grow up to 30 inches long, belongs to the deep-sea Chiroteuthid family, which are known for being radically bioluminescent (naturally glowing.) Don’t confuse this squid with the squidworm, a creature also just discovered that is …
READ MORE

Origin of bioluminescence

First recorded in 1915–20; bio- + luminescence
Related formsbi·o·lu·mi·nes·cent, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for bioluminescent

bioluminescence

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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for bioluminescent
adj.

also bio-luminescent, 1929; see bioluminescence.

bioluminescence

n.

also bio-luminescence, 1909; see bio- + luminescence.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.