fluorescence
noun
fluo·res·cence
flu̇-ˈre-sᵊn(t)s 
flȯ-
: luminescence that is caused by the absorption of radiation at one wavelength followed by nearly immediate reradiation usually at a different wavelength and that ceases almost at once when the incident radiation stops
also
: the radiation emitted compare phosphorescence
Synonyms
Examples of fluorescence in a Sentence
studied the fluorescence of certain elements
Recent Examples on the Web
Researchers can exploit this action by setting their test to trigger a flash of fluorescence when ssDNA is cut, confirming that CRISPR’s target pathogen was present.
—
Simon Makin, Scientific American, 20 June 2024
In diving expeditions in the Banda Sea off Indonesia and the Red Sea off Egypt, researchers have now observed and identified fluorescence in 27 species for the first time.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 13 June 2024
For example, a species of marine snail eats an algae that is then excreted and leaves behind a weak fluorescence, according to the study.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 13 June 2024
But the fluorescence of those proteins—originally synthesized from a jellyfish—is visible only with specialized lights, unlike the petunia now in my house, which glowed on its own.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fluorescence 
Simon Makin, Scientific American, 20 June 2024
In diving expeditions in the Banda Sea off Indonesia and the Red Sea off Egypt, researchers have now observed and identified fluorescence in 27 species for the first time.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 13 June 2024
For example, a species of marine snail eats an algae that is then excreted and leaves behind a weak fluorescence, according to the study.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 13 June 2024
But the fluorescence of those proteins—originally synthesized from a jellyfish—is visible only with specialized lights, unlike the petunia now in my house, which glowed on its own.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fluorescence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fluorescence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near fluorescence
Cite this Entry
“Fluorescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluorescence. Accessed 14 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
fluorescence
noun
flu·o·res·cence
-ˈes-ᵊn(t)s
: luminescence that is caused by the absorption of radiation at one wavelength followed by nearly immediate reradiation usually at a different wavelength and that ceases almost immediately when the incident radiation stops
also
: the radiation emitted
fluorescently
adverb
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