Definition of Bioluminescence

1. Noun. Luminescence produced by physiological processes (as in the firefly).

Generic synonyms: Luminescence
Derivative terms: Bioluminescent

Definition of Bioluminescence

1. Noun. (context: biology biochemistry) The emission of light by a living organism (such as a firefly). ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Bioluminescence

1. [n -S]

Medical Definition of Bioluminescence

1. Light produced by a living organism. The best known system is firefly luciferase (an ATPase), which is used routinely as a sensitive ATP assay system. Many other organisms, particularly deep sea organisms, produce light and even leucocytes emit a small amount of light when their oxidative metabolism is stimulated. does not really differ from chemiluminescence, except that the light emitting molecule occurs naturally and is not a synthetic compound like luminol or lucigenin. (21 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Bioluminescence

biological weapons
biologically
biologicals
biologics
biologies
biologism
biologisms
biologist
biologistic
biologists
biology
biology department
biology lab
biology laboratory
bioluminescence (current term)
bioluminescent
bioluminescently
biolyses
biolysis
biolytic
biomacromolecule
biomacromolecules
biomagnetic
biomagnetism
biomagnification
biomagnifications
biomagnified
biomagnifies
biomagnify

Literary usage of Bioluminescence

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Principles of Biochemistry for Students of Medicine, Agriculture and Related by Thorburn Brailsford Robertson (1920)
"The phenomenon of bioluminescence or "phosphorescence" which is displayed ... The peculiarity of bioluminescence is the extraordinary intensity of the light ..."

2. Sensor Systems for Biological Agent Attacks: Protecting Buildings And by Bmed, National Research Council (U.S.), ebrary, Inc (2005)
"By exploiting this reaction, the bioluminescence assay sensitivity can theoretically be ... Adenylate kinase as a cell marker In bioluminescence assays. ..."

3. Preventing the Forward Contamination of Mars by National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Preventing the Forward Contamination of Mars, National Research Council (U.S.). Space Studies Board, National Research Council (U.S.). Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences (2006)
"A TP bioluminescence Assay Unlike the LAL assay, the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay provides a very sensitive indicator of live cells ..."

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