fluorescence

noun

fluo·​res·​cence flu̇-ˈre-sᵊn(t)s 

flȯ-

: luminescence that is caused by the absorption of radiation at one wavelength followed by nearly immediate reradiation usually at a different wavelength and that ceases almost at once when the incident radiation stops

also : the radiation emitted compare phosphorescence

Synonyms

• blaze
• flare
• glare
• gleam
• glow
• illumination
• incandescence
• light
• luminescence
• radiance
• shine

Examples of fluorescence in a Sentence

studied the fluorescence of certain elements

Recent Examples on the Web

Conservators noticed that its two wooden panels had shifted, and ultraviolet fluorescence revealed nicotine stains. —Ella Feldman, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Sep. 2024

In most fluorometers, one pair of lenses focuses the light onto the sample, while another pair focuses the resulting fluorescence onto an integrated sensor. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2024

Researchers bombard samples with x-rays to trigger x-ray fluorescence (XRF) that reveals chemical composition. —Bymichael Price, science.org, 5 Aug. 2024

Curators use a method called X-ray fluorescence to investigate the chemical makeup of book covers. —Ashley Stimpson, Washington Post, 24 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

fluorspar + opalescence

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fluorescence

noun

flu·​o·​res·​cence

ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈes-ᵊn(t)s

: the giving off of radiation usually as visible light when exposed to radiation from another source (as ultraviolet light)

also : the radiation given off

Medical Definition

fluorescence

noun

flu·​o·​res·​cence -ˈes-ᵊn(t)s 

: luminescence that is caused by the absorption of radiation at one wavelength followed by nearly immediate reradiation usually at a different wavelength and that ceases almost immediately when the incident radiation stops

also : the radiation emitted

fluorescent

-ˈes-ᵊnt 

adjective

fluorescently adverb