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
Examples of fluorescence in a Sentence
studied the fluorescence of certain elements
Recent Examples on the Web
Sometimes the bird can change its degree of fluorescence just by moving into areas with more or less light.
—
Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 23 Feb. 2025
Fishy fluorescence Though birds-of-paradise are known for their dramatic colors, the biofluorescent aspect of their visual communication was previously undescribed and raises new questions about how the birds use visual cues, lead study author Dr. Rene Martin said.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025
The laser highlighted fluorescence naturally emitted from the skin, while the ink remained black, effectively eliminating the ink bleeding caused by aging and mummification.
—Byrodrigo Pérez Ortega, science.org, 13 Jan. 2025
Unlike with fluorescence, this process does not need an external source of light.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluorescence
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Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 23 Feb. 2025
Fishy fluorescence Though birds-of-paradise are known for their dramatic colors, the biofluorescent aspect of their visual communication was previously undescribed and raises new questions about how the birds use visual cues, lead study author Dr. Rene Martin said.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025
The laser highlighted fluorescence naturally emitted from the skin, while the ink remained black, effectively eliminating the ink bleeding caused by aging and mummification.
—Byrodrigo Pérez Ortega, science.org, 13 Jan. 2025
Unlike with fluorescence, this process does not need an external source of light.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluorescence
Cite this Entry
“Fluorescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluorescence. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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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