bioluminescence

noun

bio·​lu·​mi·​nes·​cence ˌbī-ō-ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce bioluminescence (audio)
: 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
bioluminescent adjective

Examples of bioluminescence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That means that the bioluminescence that other creatures use to camouflage themselves can be distinguished. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2025 Now, researchers at Mass General Brigham have made a breakthrough by mixing up the recipe for that chemical reaction, creating a bioluminescence diagnostic tool that's 515 times brighter and eight times more enduring than current models. Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 3 June 2025 Eerie bioluminescence From June to October, the rivers and lagoons of Florida’s Space Coast glow an otherworldly blue thanks to the natural bioluminescence of dinoflagellates and comb jellies. Emily Matchar, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Jan. 2025 From June to October, this biodiverse estuary near Titusville comes alive with bioluminescence. Alexandra Gillespie, Outside Online, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bioluminescence

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bioluminescence was in 1916

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Cite this Entry

“Bioluminescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bioluminescence. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

bioluminescence

noun
bio·​lu·​mi·​nes·​cence ˌbī-ō-ˌlü-mə-ˈnes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce bioluminescence (audio)
: the emission of light from living organisms
also : the light so produced
bioluminescent adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on bioluminescence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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