fluorescent

[ floo-res-uhnt, flaw-, floh- ]

adjective

1. possessing the property of fluorescence; exhibiting fluorescence.
2. strikingly bright, vivid, or glowing:

   plastic toys in fluorescent colors.

noun

1. a lighting fixture that utilizes a fluorescent lamp.

Other Words From

• nonfluo·rescent adjective
• unfluo·rescent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fluorescent¹

First recorded in 1850–55; fluor- + -escent

Example Sentences

Guided by the computational model, the scientists were able to use cell density to generate a variety of predictable fluorescent patterns that developed over specific timeframes.

From Science Daily

For example, in a field of cells, the scientists could create a pattern of green fluorescent rings emanating from a central point.

From Science Daily

"Single-cell transcriptomics allows us to identify cell types and their states and show how they respond to the loss of body parts at an individual level. In our study, we also combined this technique with data from French colleagues who used fluorescent labelling of cells to help reveal which tissues ultimately arise from certain stem cells," explains Stockinger.

From Science Daily

When the ovaries from rats expressing a fluorescent protein throughout the body were used for donner, resulting in rat offspring expressing the fluorescent protein.

From Science Daily

Other sounds, be it his wife popping chewing gum or a neighbour's dog barking, and some smells, such as congealed fat or grease, and sights such as fluorescent lights, have always made him very uncomfortable.

From BBC

Related Words

• bright
• luminous
• rich
• shiny
• sunny