photophore

[ foh-tuh-fawr, -fohr ]

noun

, Zoology.

1. a luminous organ found in certain fishes and crustaceans.

photophore

/ ˈfəʊtəˌfɔː /

noun

1. zoology any light-producing organ in animals, esp in certain fishes

Word History and Origins

Origin of photophore¹

First recorded in 1880–85; photo- + -phore

Example Sentences

It has a black, elongated, eel-like body, with a long, fleshy filament called a barbel hanging from its lower jaw with a bioluminescent organ called a photophore on the end to lure prey.

From Reuters

It has a black, elongated body, with a long, fleshy filament called a barbel hanging from its lower jaw with a bioluminescent organ called a photophore on the end to lure prey.

From The Guardian

Maybe the threadfin dragonfish, with its winning smile and luminous purple photophore, will unlock the next big technological innovation.

From National Geographic

Those of my mother readers who have electric lights in their home, will find the photophore to be a source of great comfort and convenience; for this simple contrivance is usually able to banish colic in a few moments.

From Project Gutenberg

Occasionally with the aid of the photophore, and even without it, the warm two-ounce enema containing a level teaspoon of baking soda and a level teaspoon of salt to a pint of water when allowed to flow into the bowel, will soon bring down both gas and feces to the great relief of the baby.

From Project Gutenberg