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

bioluminescent

ˌbī-ō-ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊnt 

adjective

Examples of bioluminescence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This particular form of bioluminescence is caused by a chemical reaction of the substrate luciferin and enzyme luciferase, which combine to emit light. —Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025

Each evening, the crystal-clear water erupted in a kaleidoscope of bioluminescence, while Reiki students could dig up amethyst and tourmaline from crystal seams that crisscrossed the island. —Charlie Campbell, TIME, 17 Mar. 2025

In nature, bioluminescence refers to certain organisms like jellyfish, fireflies and plankton, which can emit a glowing light. —Perri Ormont Blumberg Fox News, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025

Such satellite images should be able to help researchers better understand what causes large patches of bioluminescence. —Emily Matchar, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bioluminescence

• acquiescence
• adolescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• effervescence
• efflorescence
• evanescence
• incandescence
• inflorescence
• iridescence
• luminescence
• obsolescence

Medical 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

bioluminescent

-ᵊnt 

adjective