Fluorescent

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /flɔˈɹɛsɨnt/
• Homophones: florescent, in some pronunciations

Origin

From fluorescence fluor + -escent

Full definition of fluorescent

Adjective

1. Of or relating to fluorescence
2. Exhibiting or produced by fluorescenceThe fluorescent plants shimmered in the darkness.
3. Emitting visible light as a result of the excitation of phosphors by ultraviolet photons produced by the passage of an electrical current through an inert gas infused with mercury.The quality of fluorescent lighting technology has improved dramatically in recent years.
4. Glowing as if with fluorescence; vividHer shirt was fluorescent orange.

Derived terms

• fluorescent lamp
• fluorescent tag
• green fluorescent protein

Related terms

• fluorophore

Noun

1. A fluorescent lightThe fluorescents hummed day and night.