bioluminescence

Everyday

1. (science) Light made by living things, such as fireflies, glow-worms, some fungi and many deep-sea animals. tree →
2. The glowing itself, for example blue sparkles in the sea at night caused by tiny plankton. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons bioluminescence is a chemical reaction in an animal's body (luciferin and an enzyme) that gives off light with little heat. Animals use it to attract mates, lure prey, scare predators or hide. In the deep sea most animals make some light. Adjective: bioluminescent.

Examples

• Fireflies flash by bioluminescence. tree →
• The anglerfish uses bioluminescence to lure prey. tree →
• We saw blue bioluminescence in the waves at night. tree →
• Bioluminescence happens because of a chemical reaction. tree →
• Glow-worms in New Zealand caves light up the ceiling with bioluminescence. tree →
• Some mushrooms glow in the dark with bioluminescence. tree →

Note

bio (life) + luminescence (giving off light). Uncountable. Not the same as fluorescence (glowing when another light shines on it) or reflection. Spelling trap: -scence.