bioluminescence

[ bahy-oh-loo-muh-nes-uhns ]

noun

1. the production of light by living organisms.

bioluminescence

/ ˌbaɪəʊˌluːmɪˈnɛsəns /

noun

1. the production of light by living organisms as a result of the oxidation of a light-producing substance (luciferin) by the enzyme luciferase: occurs in many marine organisms, insects such as the firefly, etc

bioluminescence

/ bī′ō-lo̅o̅′mə-nĕs′əns /

1. The emission of light by living organisms, such as fireflies, glowworms, and certain fish, jellyfish, plankton, fungi, and bacteria. It occurs when a pigment (usually luciferin) is oxidized without giving off heat. Although it is believed that bioluminescence is involved in animal communication, its function in many organisms has yet to be understood. Bioluminescence is a form of chemiluminescence.
2. Compare chemiluminescence

Derived Forms

• ˌbioˌlumiˈnescent, adjective

Other Words From

• bio·lumi·nescent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bioluminescence¹

First recorded in 1915–20; bio- + luminescence

Example Sentences

The bioluminescence appeared to cover the entire sea area, from horizon to horizon … and it appeared as though the ship was sailing over a field of snow or gliding over the clouds.

From Nautilus

To find out how bioluminescence might be affected by that decrease, sensory biologist Tom Iwanicki and colleagues at the University of Hawaii at Manoa gathered 49 studies on bioluminescence across nine different phyla.

From Science News

In fact, bioluminescence is such a huge drain on energy that it'll be difficult to get plants to glow bright enough to notice.

From The Daily Beast

It is not the purpose of this book to deal with every phase of bioluminescence.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not within the scope of this book to discuss bioluminescence in its evolutionary aspects.

From Project Gutenberg

A fairly complete list of literature covering the whole field of Bioluminescence is given by Mangold, 1910.

From Project Gutenberg