Word
fluorescence
Phoneticsflu·o·res·cence
US/ˌfɫʊˈɹɛsəns/
UK/flɔːɹˈɛsəns/
Definitions
01the physical process
n. the way some materials glow when they are hit by invisible energy like UV light.
n. the physical phenomenon where a substance emits light immediately after absorbing electromagnetic radiation or subatomic particles.
“Scientists use fluorescence to see tiny structures inside cells under a microscope.”
“The researcher observed the fluorescence of the mineral sample under ultraviolet light, noting the specific wavelengths emitted by the crystalline structure.”
Technical
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the scientific principle.
Synonyms
02the light emitted
n. the actual light or glow that comes from a fluorescent object.
n. the visible light or radiation produced during the process of fluorescence.
“The bright green fluorescence of the jellyfish made it easy to see in the dark water.”
“The intensity of the fluorescence faded rapidly once the external radiation source was removed, confirming the material was not phosphorescent.”
Technical
Real-World Examples
“Using thioflavin T fluorescence microscopy (a method that detects aggregated proteins), they tracked the formation of amyloid by a protein associated with heart amyloidosis within the tube.” “DayGlo paints and similar materials exploit the related phenomenon of fluorescence.” Etymology
Coined by British physicist George Stokes in 1852 from fluorspar + -escence. Morphologically fluoresce + -ence.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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englishreference.com/q/fluorescence