luciferin

American  

[loo-sif-er-in] / luˈsɪf ər ɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

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

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luciferin British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of luciferin

First recorded in 1885–90; from Latin lūcifer ( Lucifer ) + -in ²

Example Sentences

“There’s remnant luciferin on this plant life,” I say, telling the truth.

From Literature

The genome might also enable researchers to track down the enzymes that make luciferin and modulate its release.

From Science Magazine

The team say that is important as the process involves a luciferin produced from a chemical that is naturally present in plants – caffeic acid.

From The Guardian

You need some sort of luciferin, a molecule that can emit light.

From New York Times

Hirata asked him to extract and purify a compound, luciferin, which enables the tiny marine crustacean Cypridina to glow in the dark.

From Nature