bioluminescence
noun
bio·lu·mi·nes·cence
| \ ˌbī-ō-ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊn(t)s
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Definition of bioluminescence
: the emission of light from living organisms (such as fireflies, dinoflagellates, and bacteria) as the result of internal, typically oxidative chemical reactions
also
: the light so produced
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Other Words from bioluminescence
bioluminescent
\ ˌbī-ō-ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊnt
\
adjective
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adjective
Examples of bioluminescence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But the idea of using bioluminescence to coordinate schooling is novel. — Brian Clark Howard, National Geographic, "We finally know why flashlight fish glow," 14 Aug. 2019 The phenomenon is known as biofluorescence, not to be confused with a related phenomenon, bioluminescence. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "We now know what causes these two shark species to glow green," 8 Aug. 2019 Fireflies depend on their bioluminescence for reproduction. — Dan Radel, USA TODAY, "Fireflies are dying out because people are destroying their habitats," 1 Aug. 2019 Marine creatures rely on bioluminescence for communication, finding prey, camouflage, and more. — Liz Langley, National Geographic, "How bioluminescence works in nature," 2 May 2019 Their true bioluminescence cannot be seen in light, says marine biologist Edie Widder, founder of the Ocean Research and Conservation Association. — Liz Langley, National Geographic, "How bioluminescence works in nature," 2 May 2019 For those of you who still want to head to Disney World and see the magic of the bioluminescence, the two sites are only 45 minutes away from one another. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "You Can Propel Through Florida’s Bioluminescent Waters in a See-Through Kayak," 25 June 2019 Fenolio was aboard the Point Sur, a 135-foot-long research ship, on a 15-day expedition aimed at studying deep-sea creatures’ use of bioluminescence. — Josh Baugh, ExpressNews.com, "San Antonio scientist on crew that captured video of an elusive giant squid in Gulf of Mexico," 24 June 2019 After the sun goes down, observe sparkling bioluminescence during a magical nighttime snorkeling excursion. — National Geographic, "Bali High School Expedition," 17 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bioluminescence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for bioluminescence
bioluminescence
noun
bio·lu·mi·nes·cence
| \ ˌbī-ō-ˌlü-mə-ˈnes-ᵊn(t)s
\
\
Medical Definition of bioluminescence
: the emission of light from living organisms
also
: the light so produced
Other Words from bioluminescence
bioluminescent
\ -ᵊnt
\
adjective
\
adjective