fluorescein

American  

[floo-res-ee-in, flaw-, floh-] / flʊˈrɛs i ɪn, flɔ-, floʊ- /

Or fluoresceine

noun

Chemistry.

1. an orange-red, crystalline, water-insoluble solid, C 20 H 12 O 5 , that in alkaline solutions produces an orange color and an intense green fluorescence: used to trace subterranean waters and in dyes.

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fluorescein British  

/ ˌflʊəˈrɛsɪɪn /

noun

1. an orange-red crystalline compound that in aqueous solution exhibits a greenish-yellow fluorescence in reflected light and is reddish-orange in transmitted light: used as a marker in sea water and as an indicator. Formula: C 20 H 12 O 5

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fluorescein Scientific  

/ fl-rĕs′ē-ĭn,flô- /

1. An orange-red crystalline compound that exhibits intense fluorescence in alkaline solution. It is used in medicine for diagnostic purposes, in oceanography as a tracer, and as a textile dye. Chemical formula: C ₂₀ H ₁₂ O ₅ .

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Etymology

Origin of fluorescein

First recorded in 1875–80; fluoresce + -in ²

Example Sentences

On Monday, the authorities had an answer: Test samples of the water confirmed that the canal’s bright new hue was caused by fluorescein, a chemical often used find leaks during underwater construction.

From New York Times

The chemical cause of the color change was found to be fluorescein, which is used professionally to trace water.

From Washington Times

He was injected with a bright yellow dye, called fluorescein, to highlight the smallest vessels in the eye so they can be photographed.

From New York Times

Researchers dumped a dye, fluorescein, into the wells and monitored the marine waters along the beaches.

From Science Magazine

This was bathed in a solution that contained molecules of fluorescein, a compound widely used as a coloring agent.

From Fox News