1 fluorescence | Definition of fluorescence

fluorescence

noun
fluo·​res·​cence | \ flu̇-ˈre-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce fluorescence (audio) , flȯ-\

Definition of fluorescence

: 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

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Examples of fluorescence in a Sentence

studied the fluorescence of certain elements

Recent Examples on the Web

During their research, Gruber and his colleagues realized the molecule responsible for the fluorescence was only in the light skin. — Ashley Strickland, CNN, "These sharks glow bright green in the dark," 8 Aug. 2019 Researchers don't know as much about the role of fluorescence in fish. — Fox News, "Stunning photo uncovers 'hidden light' of life deep in the ocean," 30 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fluorescence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of fluorescence

1852, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for fluorescence

fluorspar + opalescence

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More Definitions for fluorescence

fluorescence

noun
flu·​o·​res·​cence | \ -ˈes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce fluorescence (audio) \

Medical Definition of fluorescence

: 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

Other Words from fluorescence

fluorescent \ -​ˈes-​ᵊnt How to pronounce fluorescent (audio) \ adjective
fluorescently adverb

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