Bioluminescence: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'bioluminescence' comes from 'bio', meaning life, and 'luminescence', meaning light without heat.
• It was first used in the scientific community in the early 20th century to describe the light produced by living organisms.

Science

• Bioluminescence occurs due to a chemical reaction involving a light-emitting molecule called luciferin.
• This phenomenon is commonly found in marine environments, with about 76% of deep-sea organisms producing light.
• Certain species use bioluminescence for communication, attracting prey, or deterring predators.

Ecology

• In some ecosystems, the light produced can attract mates or facilitate symbiotic relationships with other organisms.
• Certain fungi also exhibit bioluminescence and are often referred to as 'foxfire', contributing to nutrient cycling in forests.

Pop Culture

• The captivating glow of bioluminescent organisms has inspired films like 'Avatar' which showcases luminous flora and fauna.
• In literature, bioluminescent creatures appear in fantasy genres, symbolizing magic or otherworldly elements.

Technology

• Scientists are exploring bioluminescence for applications in bioengineering, such as creating glowing plants for environmental monitoring.
• The study of bioluminescence has led to advancements in medical imaging, enabling clearer visualization of cellular processes.

This word's position of #33,296 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 33293 agglutinate
• 33294 doggy
• 33295 semolina
• 33296 bioluminescence
• 33297 purl
• 33298 expedience
• 33299 materializing
• ...