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
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
However, not much has been known about the frequency of fluorescence among mammals.
—Emma Ogao, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2023
The more green fluorescence produced by the plant, the higher the radiation intensity.
—Neal Stewart, The Conversation, 21 Feb. 2024
Researchers used a portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer as part of their investigation of Mutton’s remains.
—Chris Stantis, Discover Magazine, 25 Dec. 2023
That green fluorescence allowed the team to visually track the changes in calcium concentrations in response to stimulating the plant's sensitive hairs with a needle.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 3 Aug. 2023
The first two fragments were discovered by the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 2013, when technicians used X-ray fluorescence to examine two later (1935) paintings: Le Portrait and Le Modèle Rouge.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 2 Aug. 2023
This fluorescence causes the crystal layer to glow green when irradiated with UV light.
—IEEE Spectrum, 24 Nov. 2023
The leaves on the trees lining the sidewalk had a mid-autumn fluorescence.
—Hanif Abdurraqib, The New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2024
Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2024
However, not much has been known about the frequency of fluorescence among mammals.
—Emma Ogao, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2023
The more green fluorescence produced by the plant, the higher the radiation intensity.
—Neal Stewart, The Conversation, 21 Feb. 2024
Researchers used a portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer as part of their investigation of Mutton’s remains.
—Chris Stantis, Discover Magazine, 25 Dec. 2023
That green fluorescence allowed the team to visually track the changes in calcium concentrations in response to stimulating the plant's sensitive hairs with a needle.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 3 Aug. 2023
The first two fragments were discovered by the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 2013, when technicians used X-ray fluorescence to examine two later (1935) paintings: Le Portrait and Le Modèle Rouge.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 2 Aug. 2023
This fluorescence causes the crystal layer to glow green when irradiated with UV light.
—IEEE Spectrum, 24 Nov. 2023
The leaves on the trees lining the sidewalk had a mid-autumn fluorescence.
—Hanif Abdurraqib, The New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2024
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 18 Apr. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share