Fluorescence

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /flʊˈɹɛsÉ™ns, flÉ”-, floÊŠ-/
• Homophones: florescence, in some pronunciations

Origin

Coined 1852 by physicist Sir George Stokes, 1st Baronet from fluorspar + -escence

Full definition of fluorescence

Noun

1. (physics) The emission of light (or other electromagnetic radiation) by a material when stimulated by the absorption of radiation or of a subatomic particle
2. The light so emitted

Derived terms

• fluorescence microscope
• fluoresce
• fluorescein
• fluorescent