bioluminescence
noun
bio·lu·mi·nes·cence
ˌbī-ō-ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊn(t)s 
: the emission of light from living organisms (such as fireflies, dinoflagellates, and bacteria) as the result of internal, typically oxidative chemical reactions
also
: the light so produced
Examples of bioluminescence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
From June to October, this biodiverse estuary near Titusville comes alive with bioluminescence.
—
Alexandra Gillespie, Outside Online, 28 Apr. 2025
Experience glowing waves, firefly forests, and more with these breathtaking bioluminescence tours.
—Alexandra Gillespie, Outside Online, 28 Apr. 2025
It is thought to be the ultimate contrast to their brighter colors generated by bioluminescence.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 23 Feb. 2025
Related article Spider forces male fireflies to flash like females to set a lethal trap, scientists say
Living organisms produce light in two ways: bioluminescence and biofluorescence.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bioluminescence
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Alexandra Gillespie, Outside Online, 28 Apr. 2025
Experience glowing waves, firefly forests, and more with these breathtaking bioluminescence tours.
—Alexandra Gillespie, Outside Online, 28 Apr. 2025
It is thought to be the ultimate contrast to their brighter colors generated by bioluminescence.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 23 Feb. 2025
Related article Spider forces male fireflies to flash like females to set a lethal trap, scientists say
Living organisms produce light in two ways: bioluminescence and biofluorescence.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bioluminescence
Cite this Entry
“Bioluminescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bioluminescence. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
bioluminescence
noun
bio·lu·mi·nes·cence
ˌbī-ō-ˌlü-mə-ˈnes-ᵊn(t)s
: the emission of light from living organisms
also
: the light so produced
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