chemiluminescence

[ kem-uh-loo-muh-nes-uhns ]

noun

1. (in chemical reactions) the emission of light by an atom or molecule that is in an excited state.

chemiluminescence

/ ˌkɛmɪˌluːmɪˈnɛsəns /

noun

1. the phenomenon in which a chemical reaction leads to the emission of light without incandescence

chemiluminescence

/ kĕm′ə-lo̅o̅′mə-nĕs′əns /

1. The emission of light by a substance as a result of undergoing a chemical reaction that does not involve an increase in its temperature. Chemiluminescence usually occurs when a highly oxidized molecule, such as a peroxide, reacts with another molecule. The bond between the two oxygen atoms in a peroxide is relatively weak, and when it breaks the atoms must reorganize themselves, releasing energy in the form of light.
2. Compare bioluminescence

Derived Forms

• ˌchemiˌlumiˈnescent, adjective

Other Words From

• chemi·lumi·nescent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chemiluminescence¹

First recorded in 1900–05; chemi- + luminescence

Example Sentences

But far from synthesizing polymers or conjuring chemiluminescence, McCarroll’s students had a tastier end product on the brain - beer.

From Washington Times

Bioluminescent corals bring colour to the ocean floor The reaction is called chemiluminescence: a light-emitting reaction that does not produce heat, rendering it highly energy efficient.

From BBC