fluorescence
[ floo-res-uh ns, flaw-, floh- ]
/ flʊˈrɛs əns, flɔ-, floʊ- /
noun Physics, Chemistry.
the emission of radiation, especially of visible light, by a substance during exposure to external radiation, as light or x-rays.
Compare phosphorescence(def 1).
the property possessed by a substance capable of such emission.
the radiation so produced.
Origin of fluorescence
1852;
fluor(spar) +
-escence, on the model of
opalescence, in reference to the mineral's newly discovered property
OTHER WORDS FROM fluorescence
non·fluo·res·cence, nounWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH fluorescence
florescence fluorescenceWords nearby fluorescence
Example sentences from the Web for fluorescence
British Dictionary definitions for fluorescence
fluorescence
/ (ˌflʊəˈrɛsəns) /
noun
physics
- the emission of light or other radiation from atoms or molecules that are bombarded by particles, such as electrons, or by radiation from a separate source. The bombarding radiation produces excited atoms, molecules, or ions and these emit photons as they fall back to the ground state
- such an emission of photons that ceases as soon as the bombarding radiation is discontinued
- such an emission of photons for which the average lifetime of the excited atoms and molecules is less than about 10 –8 seconds
the radiation emitted as a result of fluorescence
Compare phosphorescence
Word Origin for fluorescence
C19:
fluor +
-escence (as in
opalescence)
Medical definitions for fluorescence
fluorescence
[ flu-rĕs′əns, flô- ]
n.
The emission of electromagnetic radiation, especially of visible light, stimulated in a substance by the absorption of incident radiation and persisting only as long as the stimulating radiation is continued.
The property of emitting such radiation.
Other words from fluorescence
fluo•res′cent adj.Scientific definitions for fluorescence
fluorescence
[ flu-rĕs′əns ]
The giving off of light by a substance when it is exposed to electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light or x-rays. As long as electromagnetic radiation continues to bombard the substance, electrons in the fluorescent material become excited but return very quickly to lower energy, giving off light, always of the same frequency. Fluorescent dyes are often used in microscopic imaging, where different dyes can penetrate and illuminate different parts of the sample being examined, helping to distinguish its structures. Compare phosphorescence.
The light produced in this way.
Cultural definitions for fluorescence
fluorescence
The emission of light from an object as a result of bombardment by other kinds of electromagnetic radiation, such as x-rays or ultraviolet rays. Fluorescent materials may appear one color when bathed in visible light and another color when exposed to other kinds of electromagnetic radiation.
notes for fluorescence
“Black light” depends on fluorescence for its effects.