Bioluminescence

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

The production and emission of light by living organisms through biochemical reactions, commonly observed in deep-sea fish, jellyfish, dinoflagellates, and certain bacteria, serving functions such as predator attraction, communication, and camouflage.

Examples

• The ocean surface glowed blue at night due to bioluminescence from millions of dinoflagellates.
• Scientists study bioluminescence to develop new imaging tools for medical research.

Synonyms: biological luminescence, cold light