fluorescent

[ floo-res-uhnt, flaw-, floh- ]

adjective

1. possessing the property of fluorescence; exhibiting fluorescence.
2. strikingly bright, vivid, or glowing:

   plastic toys in fluorescent colors.

noun

1. a lighting fixture that utilizes a fluorescent lamp.

Other Words From

• nonfluo·rescent adjective
• unfluo·rescent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fluorescent¹

First recorded in 1850–55; fluor- + -escent

Example Sentences

The particles, which were highly fluorescent, were tracked with laser sensors so the researchers could see their movement.

From Popular-Science

After one hour of UV exposure, 60 percent of strongly fluorescent individuals survived more than 30 days, while all less-fluorescent specimens died within 20 days.

From Science News

It’s the first experimental evidence of fluorescent molecules protecting animals from radiation, researchers report October 14 in Biology Letters.

From Science News

This year, they also showed that electrolyte levels could be detected with fluorescent tattoo sensors.

From No Straight News

Then, the team attached a fluorescent protein to the host’s flowering protein and saw it glow in Australian dodder tissues, confirming that the parasites were taking up the chemical cue.

From Science News

I was buying a book from a vendor in a crowded, fluorescent-lit convention center.

From The Daily Beast

And then there's a brief flash of a sultry brunette, topless, alongside a fluorescent crucifix.

From The Daily Beast

One of his favorite hacks is to put on the fluorescent vest of a maintenance worker.

From The Daily Beast

A series of fluorescent lights flickered on, and there was the entire collection before us.

From The Daily Beast

The scene in the ghastly fluorescent-lit tunnel 16 years ago this week was one of such hell it will never cease to haunt us.

From The Daily Beast

The fluorescent filtrate was shaken with ether, by which the green substance was removed, leaving the solution purple.

From Project Gutenberg

A purple and green fluorescent solution was formed, though much tar was left apparently unchanged.

From Project Gutenberg

She was wearing a torn wife-beater and her hair was in long, fluorescent pink dreads down to her waist.

From Project Gutenberg

His eyes returned to the screen, to the bobbing figure that the psycho-integrator traced on the fluorescent background.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not exactly easy to get a regular coat of the fluorescent material, but it may be done with a little care.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bright
• luminous
• rich
• shiny
• sunny