luciferin

[ loo-sif-er-in ]

nounBiochemistry.
  1. a pigment occurring in bioluminescent organisms, such as fireflies, that emits light when undergoing oxidation.

Origin of luciferin

1
First recorded in 1885–90; from Latin lūcifer (see Lucifer) + -in2

Words Nearby luciferin

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British Dictionary definitions for luciferin

luciferin

/ (luːˈsɪfərɪn) /


noun
  1. biochem a substance occurring in bioluminescent organisms, such as glow-worms and fireflies. It undergoes an enzyme-catalysed oxidation and emits light on decaying to its ground state

Origin of luciferin

1
C20: from Latin lucifer (literally: light-bearer) + -in

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