fluorescein

or flu·o·res·ce·ine

[ floo-res-ee-in, flaw-, floh- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. an orange-red, crystalline, water-insoluble solid, C 20 H 12 O 5 , that in alkaline solutions produces an orange color and an intense green fluorescence: used to trace subterranean waters and in dyes.

fluorescein

/ ˌflʊəˈrɛsɪɪn /

noun

1. an orange-red crystalline compound that in aqueous solution exhibits a greenish-yellow fluorescence in reflected light and is reddish-orange in transmitted light: used as a marker in sea water and as an indicator. Formula: C 20 H 12 O 5

fluorescein

/ fl-rĕs′ē-ĭn,flô- /

1. An orange-red crystalline compound that exhibits intense fluorescence in alkaline solution. It is used in medicine for diagnostic purposes, in oceanography as a tracer, and as a textile dye. Chemical formula: C 20 H 12 O 5 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of fluorescein¹

First recorded in 1875–80; fluoresce + -in ²

Example Sentences

By repeating this process two or three times, the fluorescein may be obtained in a very pure condition.

From Project Gutenberg

Fluorescein is readily nitrated, yielding a di- or tetra-nitro compound according to conditions.

From Project Gutenberg

If we fill a glass container with a fluorescein solution and look at it by reflected light it appears green.

From Project Gutenberg