luciferin

[ loo-sif-er-in ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of luciferin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of luciferin¹

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

Example Sentences

When they tested the gene, by making it interact with luciferin, the team got the spark they were looking for.

From Popular-Science

The older version of this test used a layer of paper that had been soaked in a solution with luciferin, then dried.

From Science News For Students

Across the field, he saw the glowing Luciferin-like light of a small city.

From Project Gutenberg

Luciferin will also oxidize in the air spontaneously but no light is produced.

From Project Gutenberg