bioluminescence
noun
bio·lu·mi·nes·cence
ˌbī-ō-ˌlü-mə-ˈne-sᵊn(t)s 
: 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
Examples of bioluminescence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Witnessing bioluminescence can feel like a rare treat because bioluminescent organisms are difficult to observe.
—
Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
Scientists estimated that fireflies evolved aerial bioluminescence, the ability to glow during flight, at least 100 million years ago in a July 2022 study that analyzed the first Mesozoic firefly fossil that was described in 2015.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024
Coyne has amassed a large online following from his striking photos and videos, but also his willingness — and dedication — to find and share when and where the bioluminescence light shows are on display.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024
This timeline for developing bioluminescence makes sense, say Quattrini and Widder, who both note that rudimentary light sensors also developed around this time.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bioluminescence 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
Scientists estimated that fireflies evolved aerial bioluminescence, the ability to glow during flight, at least 100 million years ago in a July 2022 study that analyzed the first Mesozoic firefly fossil that was described in 2015.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024
Coyne has amassed a large online following from his striking photos and videos, but also his willingness — and dedication — to find and share when and where the bioluminescence light shows are on display.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024
This timeline for developing bioluminescence makes sense, say Quattrini and Widder, who both note that rudimentary light sensors also developed around this time.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bioluminescence
Dictionary Entries Near bioluminescence
Cite this Entry
“Bioluminescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bioluminescence. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
bioluminescence
noun
bio·lu·mi·nes·cence
ˌbī-ō-ˌlü-mə-ˈnes-ᵊn(t)s
: the emission of light from living organisms
also
: the light so produced
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share