bioluminescence

[ bahy-oh-loo-muh-nes-uhns ]

noun

1. the production of light by living organisms.

bioluminescence

/ ˌbaɪəʊˌluːmɪˈnɛsəns /

noun

1. the production of light by living organisms as a result of the oxidation of a light-producing substance (luciferin) by the enzyme luciferase: occurs in many marine organisms, insects such as the firefly, etc

bioluminescence

/ bī′ō-lo̅o̅′mə-nĕs′əns /

1. The emission of light by living organisms, such as fireflies, glowworms, and certain fish, jellyfish, plankton, fungi, and bacteria. It occurs when a pigment (usually luciferin) is oxidized without giving off heat. Although it is believed that bioluminescence is involved in animal communication, its function in many organisms has yet to be understood. Bioluminescence is a form of chemiluminescence.
2. Compare chemiluminescence

Derived Forms

• ˌbioˌlumiˈnescent, adjective

Other Words From

• bio·lumi·nescent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bioluminescence¹

First recorded in 1915–20; bio- + luminescence

Example Sentences

The mollusk lights up using bioluminescence when threatened to distract predators, researchers said.

From Los Angeles Times

Scientists believe that algae use bioluminescence as a defense mechanism — to scare off hungry sea creatures or call attention to their location, which draws the predators’ predators.

From Los Angeles Times

Coyne has amassed a large online following from his striking photos and videos, but also his willingness — and dedication — to find and share when and where the bioluminescence light shows are on display.

From Los Angeles Times

The graphics are refreshingly weird, coloring old-fashioned pixel art with an eerie bioluminescence, and the soundtrack is filled with spooky echoes.

From Seattle Times

Ancestors of modern octocorals, a group that includes soft corals and sea fans, evolved bioluminescence at least 540 million years ago, roughly double the previous estimate of this trait’s age, researchers report.

From Science Magazine