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 laser highlighted fluorescence naturally emitted from the skin, while the ink remained black, effectively eliminating the ink bleeding caused by aging and mummification. —Byrodrigo Pérez Ortega, science.org, 13 Jan. 2025

Unlike with fluorescence, this process does not need an external source of light. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Jan. 2025

On a recent Saturday, at a bar in New York City’s Tribeca, a couple of hundred young sports fans in T-shirts and baseball caps ordered light beers served in tall glasses and shouted over a bellowing sound system under the confining fluorescence of 57 televisions. —Jack Sullivan, airmail.news, 6 Apr. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

fluorspar + opalescence

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fluorescence

• excrescence
• quiescence
• quintessence
• senescence
• acquiescence
• adolescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• effervescence
• efflorescence
• evanescence
• incandescence

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