fluoresce

verb

fluo·​resce flu̇-ˈres How to pronounce fluoresce (audio)
flȯ-
fluoresced; fluorescing

intransitive verb

: to produce, undergo, or exhibit fluorescence
fluorescer noun

Examples of fluoresce in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Precise control over the firing of these lasers can single out which specific nanometer-scale spot ends up fluorescing. IEEE Spectrum, 23 Feb. 2024 In future work, the researchers plan to expand on their design by adding multiple perovskite crystal layers that fluoresce in different bands, which would provide better UV wavelength resolution. IEEE Spectrum, 24 Nov. 2023 The team remains unsure whether the ability to fluoresce, or glow under ultraviolet radiation, serves an evolutionary purpose, but the wide-ranging results are a step toward figuring that out. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Oct. 2023 The property was most common and intense in mammals living on land, underground or in trees, according to the study, though aquatic and flying mammals fluoresced as well. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Oct. 2023 Some of the many mammals reported to fluoresce by the study include rabbits, squirrels, and dormice. Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 5 Oct. 2023 Only the teeth of the dolphin were found to fluoresce. Emma Ogao, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2023 Glowing might also play a role in helping the sharks find mates, since males and females fluoresce in different patterns. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Aug. 2023 The mechanism rests on the fact that this cluster can fluoresce with a spectrum that consists of three colors — a central peak plus two fainter side-peaks. The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 30 June 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fluoresce.' 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

back-formation from fluorescence

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fluoresce was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near fluoresce

Cite this Entry

“Fluoresce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluoresce. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fluoresce

verb
flu·​o·​resce
ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈes
fluoresced; fluorescing
: to produce, exhibit, or be exposed to fluorescence

Medical Definition

fluoresce

intransitive verb
flu·​o·​resce ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈes How to pronounce fluoresce (audio) flōr- How to pronounce fluoresce (audio) flȯr- How to pronounce fluoresce (audio)
fluoresced; fluorescing
: to produce, undergo, or exhibit fluorescence
fluorescer noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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