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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
Synonyms
Examples of fluorescence in a Sentence
studied the fluorescence of certain elements
Recent Examples on the Web
The microscope records flashes of fluorescence when its laser hits active neurons, and the 3D video shows patterns that resemble green fireflies winking on and off in a summer night.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 May 2017
Later in the Archimedes Palimpsest project, researchers used x-ray fluorescence to bring out iron in the older ink.
—Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2024
Conservators noticed that its two wooden panels had shifted, and ultraviolet fluorescence revealed nicotine stains.
—Ella Feldman, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Sep. 2024
In most fluorometers, one pair of lenses focuses the light onto the sample, while another pair focuses the resulting fluorescence onto an integrated sensor.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
fluorspar + opalescence
First Known Use
1852, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near fluorescence
Cite this Entry
“Fluorescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluorescence. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
fluorescence
noun
flu·o·res·cence
ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈes-ᵊn(t)s
: the giving off of radiation usually as visible light when exposed to radiation from another source (as ultraviolet light)
also
: the radiation given off
Medical 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
More from Merriam-Webster on fluorescence
Nglish: Translation of fluorescence for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fluorescence
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