Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

photophore

American  
[foh-tuh-fawr, -fohr] / ˈfoʊ təˌfɔr, -ˌfoʊr /

noun

Zoology.
  1. a luminous organ found in certain fishes and crustaceans.


photophore British  
/ ˈfəʊtəˌfɔː /

noun

  1. zoology any light-producing organ in animals, esp in certain fishes

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of photophore

First recorded in 1880–85; photo- + -phore

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It has a black, elongated, eel-like body, with a long, fleshy filament called a barbel hanging from its lower jaw with a bioluminescent organ called a photophore on the end to lure prey.

From Reuters

It has a black, elongated body, with a long, fleshy filament called a barbel hanging from its lower jaw with a bioluminescent organ called a photophore on the end to lure prey.

From The Guardian

Maybe the threadfin dragonfish, with its winning smile and luminous purple photophore, will unlock the next big technological innovation.

From National Geographic

Those of my mother readers who have electric lights in their home, will find the photophore to be a source of great comfort and convenience; for this simple contrivance is usually able to banish colic in a few moments.

From Project Gutenberg

Occasionally with the aid of the photophore, and even without it, the warm two-ounce enema containing a level teaspoon of baking soda and a level teaspoon of salt to a pint of water when allowed to flow into the bowel, will soon bring down both gas and feces to the great relief of the baby.

From Project Gutenberg