luciferase

noun

lu·​cif·​er·​ase lü-ˈsi-fə-ˌrās How to pronounce luciferase (audio)
-ˌrāz
: an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin

Examples of luciferase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
One main component involved in producing light in corals and other animals is an enzyme called luciferase. Discover Magazine, 19 June 2024 Bioluminescence is believed to have evolved nearly 100 times across history, caused by a simple chemical reaction, when a light-producing molecule called a luciferin reacts with an enzyme called luciferase. Sam Jones, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2024 Just as in all bioluminescent organisms, the enzyme luciferase interacts with the compound luciferin to create light among the octocorals. Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Apr. 2024 The process requires not only the synthesis of specialized chemicals like luciferin and luciferase but also the energy to fuel the light-producing reaction. Scott Travers, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for luciferase 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French luciférase, from Latin lūcifer "light-bearing" + French -ase -ase — more at lucifer

Note: See note at luciferin.

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of luciferase was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near luciferase

Cite this Entry

“Luciferase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luciferase. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

luciferase

noun
lu·​cif·​er·​ase lü-ˈsif-ə-ˌrās, -ˌrāz How to pronounce luciferase (audio)
: an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin

More from Merriam-Webster on luciferase

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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