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Definition of fluoresce

fluoresce

/flɔːˈɹɛs/
flu · o · resce
Adverb:fluorescently
•
Adjective:fluorescent
•
Past Simple:fluoresced
•
Past Participle:fluoresced
•
Present Participle:fluorescing
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fluoresce Lexical Profile

fluoresce Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To exhibit fluorescence; to emit visible light or electromagnetic radiation immediately upon absorbing radiation of a shorter wavelength, such as ultraviolet light or X-rays.

Example

"Certain deep-sea corals naturally fluoresce in brilliant shades of green and orange when exposed to blue light."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for fluoresce

• Rhymes for fluoresce

• Nearby Words

flunk
flunker
flunky
fluoresce
fluorescent
fluoridate
fluoridation

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century as a back-formation from 'fluorescence', which physicist George Gabriel Stokes derived from 'fluor-spar' (fluorite, from Latin 'fluere', meaning 'to flow') after observing the mineral glow under ultraviolet light.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fluoresce. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fluoresce
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