bioluminescence

noun

bio·​lu·​mi·​nes·​cence ˌbī-ō-ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce bioluminescence (audio)
: the emission of light from living organisms (such as fireflies, dinoflagellates, and bacteria) as the result of internal, typically oxidative chemical reactions
also : the light so produced
bioluminescent adjective

Examples of bioluminescence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Wild horses roam free, waves glimmer with bioluminescence, and dramatic black sands welcome visitors to a Caribbean island that has escaped the test of time. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2024 More than just ornate, these corals are dynamic animals equipped with stinging cells and bioluminescence to fend off predators like nudibranchs and sea stars. Anna Nordseth, Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024 For deep-sea creatures, where sunlight is nonexistent, bioluminescence acts as a beacon in the perpetual night. Scott Travers, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 In recent days, beach-goers have reported seeing the bioluminescence at Torrey Pines, La Jolla Shores, Carlsbad and Mission Bay. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2024 Photographer Vishwas Lokesh, who specializes in photos and videos of bioluminescence, captured a video of the phenomenon early Sunday, Feb. 25, his Instagram page shows. Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2024 The photo showcases both our galaxy and a bit of the Orion Nebula in the sky and bioluminescence in the ocean—that is light being emitted by marine life in the sea. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 15 Jan. 2024 Fireflies produce their own light to attract mates in a process called bioluminescence. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Oct. 2023 The bright blue bioluminescence visible to nighttime visitors is even more dramatic against the darkness during a new moon. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bioluminescence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bioluminescence was in 1916

Dictionary Entries Near bioluminescence

Cite this Entry

“Bioluminescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bioluminescence. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

bioluminescence

noun
bio·​lu·​mi·​nes·​cence ˌbī-ō-ˌlü-mə-ˈnes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce bioluminescence (audio)
: the emission of light from living organisms
also : the light so produced
bioluminescent adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on bioluminescence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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