luciferin

[ loo-sif-er-in ]
/ luˈsɪf ər ɪn /

noun Biochemistry.

a pigment occurring in luminescent organisms, as fireflies, that emits light when undergoing oxidation.

Origin of luciferin

1885–90; < Latin lūcifer (see Lucifer) + -in2

Example sentences from the Web for luciferin

British Dictionary definitions for luciferin

luciferin
/ (luːˈsɪfərɪn) /

noun

biochem a substance occurring in bioluminescent organisms, such as glow-worms and fireflies. It undergoes an enzyme-catalysed oxidation and emits light on decaying to its ground state

Word Origin for luciferin

C20: from Latin lucifer (literally: light-bearer) + -in