fluorescence

fluo·res·cence  (fl-rsns, flô-, fl-)

n.

1. The emission of electromagnetic radiation, especially of visible light, stimulated in a substance by the absorption of incident radiation and persisting only as long as the stimulating radiation is continued.

2. The property of emitting such radiation.

3. The radiation so emitted.

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[fluor(spar) + -escence.]

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fluorescence

Noun

1. Physics the emission of light from atoms or molecules that are bombarded by particles, such as electrons, or by radiation from a separate source

2. the radiation emitted as a result of fluorescence [from fluor]

fluorescent adj

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fluorescence  (fl-rsns)

1. The giving off of light by a substance when it is exposed to electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light or x-rays. As long as electromagnetic radiation continues to bombard the substance, electrons in the fluorescent material become excited but return very quickly to lower energy, giving off light, always of the same frequency. Fluorescent dyes are often used in microscopic imaging, where different dyes can penetrate and illuminate different parts of the sample being examined, helping to distinguish its structures. Compare phosphorescence.

2. The light produced in this way.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

fluorescence - light emitted during absorption of radiation of some other (invisible) wavelength autofluorescence - self-induced fluorescence light, visible light, visible radiation - (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation; "the light was filtered through a soft glass window" phosphorescence - a fluorescence that persists after the bombarding radiation has ceased