fluorescence

noun

fluo·​res·​cence flu̇-ˈre-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce fluorescence (audio)
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
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.
And rendering specialists need it to accurately simulate real-world optical effects like dispersion (rainbows from prisms, for example) and fluorescence. ArsTechnica, 28 Mar. 2025 In the past, researchers monitored early signs of plant stress by taking small samples or observing changes in fluorescence. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2025 Taking samples can damage a plant and induce stress of its own and looking for fluorescence changes can be difficult to clearly detect. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for fluorescence

Word History

Etymology

fluorspar + opalescence

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fluorescence was in 1852

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Cite this Entry

“Fluorescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluorescence. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

fluorescence

noun
flu·​o·​res·​cence
ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈes-ᵊn(t)s
: the giving off of radiation usually as visible light when exposed to radiation from another source (as ultraviolet light)
also : the radiation given off

Medical Definition

fluorescence

noun
flu·​o·​res·​cence -ˈes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce fluorescence (audio)
: 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
fluorescent adjective
fluorescently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on fluorescence

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