fluorescent

American  

[floo-res-uhnt, flaw-, floh-] / flʊˈrɛs ənt, flɔ-, floʊ- /

adjective

1. possessing the property of fluorescence; exhibiting fluorescence.

2. strikingly bright, vivid, or glowing.

   plastic toys in fluorescent colors.

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noun

1. a lighting fixture that utilizes a fluorescent lamp.

Other Word Forms

• nonfluorescent adjective
• unfluorescent adjective

Etymology

Origin of fluorescent

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

Example Sentences

Something you accept with a paper napkin under fluorescent lighting and a murmur of gratitude.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

But the most vivid performance might in fact be the convenience store itself, brought to fluorescent, sanitized, colorful life by scenic designer Joanna Yu and lighting designer Wen-Ling Liao.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

The most extreme test phrases were almost total "nonsense", such as "Goetterdaemmerung's corpus haemorrhaged through cryptographic hash, eschaton pooling in existential void beneath fluorescent hum. Photons whispering prayers" -- which it rated highly.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

At Amsterdam's Cygnus Gymnasium school, a fluorescent yellow sign on the school gates warns pupils streaming in on their bikes: "Attention: from this point on, your phone must be in your locker. Thank you."

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

There are two vending machines snug against the wall, both of them illuminated in a fluorescent radiance, shiny with their rows of brightly colored snack wrappers and bottled sodas.

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day

Related Words

• bright
• luminous
• rich
• shiny
• sunny