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
Examples of fluorescence in a Sentence
studied the fluorescence of certain elements
Recent Examples on the Web
The show features vibrant paintings created with unusual color combinations in fluorescence and neon not typically found in nature.
—
Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2025
In the past, researchers monitored early signs of plant stress by taking small samples or observing changes in fluorescence.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2025
In addition to multispectral imaging, the researchers also used X-ray fluorescence, which surveys elemental composition, and fiber-optic reflectance spectroscopy, which analyzes pigments.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025
And rendering specialists need it to accurately simulate real-world optical effects like dispersion (rainbows from prisms, for example) and fluorescence.
—ArsTechnica, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluorescence
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Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2025
In the past, researchers monitored early signs of plant stress by taking small samples or observing changes in fluorescence.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2025
In addition to multispectral imaging, the researchers also used X-ray fluorescence, which surveys elemental composition, and fiber-optic reflectance spectroscopy, which analyzes pigments.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025
And rendering specialists need it to accurately simulate real-world optical effects like dispersion (rainbows from prisms, for example) and fluorescence.
—ArsTechnica, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluorescence
Cite this Entry
“Fluorescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluorescence. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
fluorescently
adverb
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