[kem-uh-loo-muh-nes-uh
ns] 
| (in chemical reactions) the emission of light by an atom or molecule that is in an excited state. |
| chem·i·lu·mi·nes·cence (kěm'ə-lōō'mə-něs'əns) n. Emission of light as a result of a chemical reaction at environmental temperatures. chem'i·lu'mi·nes'cent adj. |
chemiluminescence (kěm'ə-l 'mə-něs'əns) Pronunciation Key
The emission of light by a substance as a result of undergoing a chemical reaction that does not involve an increase in its temperature. Chemiluminescence usually occurs when a highly oxidized molecule, such as a peroxide, reacts with another molecule. The bond between the two oxygen atoms in a peroxide is relatively weak, and when it breaks the atoms must reorganize themselves, releasing energy in the form of light. Compare bioluminescence. |