luciferase

noun

lu·​cif·​er·​ase lü-ˈsi-fə-ˌrās 

-ˌrāz

: an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin

Examples of luciferase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At that point, the enzyme luciferase (also seen in fireflies) kickstarts a reaction that results in emission of a green glow. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 1 Dec. 2024

One main component involved in producing light in corals and other animals is an enzyme called luciferase. —Discover Magazine, 19 June 2024

Bioluminescence is believed to have evolved nearly 100 times across history, caused by a simple chemical reaction, when a light-producing molecule called a luciferin reacts with an enzyme called luciferase. —Sam Jones, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2024

Just as in all bioluminescent organisms, the enzyme luciferase interacts with the compound luciferin to create light among the octocorals. —Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French luciférase, from Latin lūcifer "light-bearing" + French -ase -ase — more at lucifer

Note: See note at luciferin.

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

luciferase

noun

lu·​cif·​er·​ase lü-ˈsif-ə-ˌrās, -ˌrāz 

: an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin