bioluminescencen.
/ˌbʌɪə(ʊ)ˌl(j)uːmᵻˈnɛsns/, U.S. /ˌbaɪəˌluməˈnɛs(ə)ns/ Biology.
The emission of light by living organisms such as fireflies, glow-worms, and many deep-sea creatures. Cf. phosphorescence n.Bioluminescence is a form of chemiluminescence involving enzymes and (usually) adenosine triphosphate, producing light but little heat.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > light-related processes > [noun] > emission of light
bioluminescence1916
the world > matter > light > light emitted under particular conditions > [noun] > phosphorescence > of living organisms
bioluminescence1916
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > intensity of light, luminosity > [noun] > luminescence
luminescence1889
photoluminescence1889
bioluminescence1916
1916 E. N. Harvey in Science 11 Aug. 208/2 It is the purpose of this paper to point out the fact that the existence of such an enzyme has been definitely proved and to add certain new facts to our knowledge of bioluminescence.
1932 J. A. Thomson Riddles of Sci. ii. 126 The study of bioluminescence is being vigorously pursued.
1953 J. Ramsbottom Mushrooms & Toadstools xiv. 157 The phenomenon of bioluminescence is widespread in the animal kingdom, examples occurring in at least thirty-nine orders.
1978 Indiana (Pa.) Evening Gaz. 29 Aug. 13/5 The natural phenomenon known as bioluminescence..is found among a wide range of lower animals such as sponges.
2004 New Yorker 24 May 67/2 Strange gelatinous creatures began to appear, which gave off dazzling displays of bioluminescence.
Derivatives
biolumiˈnescent adj. (of a living organism) having the ability to produce bioluminescence; (also) of or relating to bioluminescence.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > light-related processes > [adjective] > emission of light
bioluminescent1921
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > intensity of light, luminosity > [adjective] > luminescent
self-luminous1751
luminescent1889
photoluminescent1909
bioluminescent1921
1921 Lancet 1 Jan. 56/1 (heading) Bio-luminescent animals and plants.
1972 Fresno (Calif.) Bee 17 Dec. w10/1 The bioluminescent process requires three basic ingredients.
2004 Canad. Geographic Mar. 78/2 Some researchers have thought that the copepod is bioluminescent and might actually attract fish to the torpid shark.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, November 2010; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1916