luciferin

[ loo-sif-er-in ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a pigment occurring in bioluminescent organisms, such as fireflies, that emits light when undergoing oxidation.

luciferin

/ luːˈsɪfərɪn /

noun

1. biochem a substance occurring in bioluminescent organisms, such as glow-worms and fireflies. It undergoes an enzyme-catalysed oxidation and emits light on decaying to its ground state

Word History and Origins

Origin of luciferin¹

First recorded in 1885–90; from Latin lūcifer ( Lucifer ) + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of luciferin¹

C20: from Latin lucifer (literally: light-bearer) + -in

Example Sentences

“There’s remnant luciferin on this plant life,” I say, telling the truth.

From Literature

Both sets of organisms stabilize luciferin by adding sulfur to its chemical structure, even though the sulfur-adding proteins are very different, she has found.

From Science Magazine

The team say that is important as the process involves a luciferin produced from a chemical that is naturally present in plants – caffeic acid.

From The Guardian

You need some sort of luciferin, a molecule that can emit light.

From New York Times

Hirata asked him to extract and purify a compound, luciferin, which enables the tiny marine crustacean Cypridina to glow in the dark.

From Nature