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bioluminescence
[ bahy-oh-loo-muh-nes-uhns ]
noun
- the production of light by living organisms.
bioluminescence
/ ˌbaɪəʊˌluːmɪˈnɛsəns /
noun
- 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 /
- 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.
- Compare chemiluminescence
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Derived Forms
- ˌbioˌlumiˈnescent, adjective
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Other Words From
- bio·lumi·nescent adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of bioluminescence1
First recorded in 1915–20; bio- + luminescence
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Example Sentences
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
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