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

• blaze
• flare
• glare
• gleam
• glow
• illumination
• incandescence
• light
• luminescence
• radiance
• shine

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

Word History

Etymology

fluorspar + opalescence

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

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

fluorescent

-ˈes-ᵊnt 

adjective

fluorescently adverb