Fluoresce Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🌟
fluoresce
[flɔˈrɛs ]
Definition
science, chemistry
To fluoresce means to emit light when exposed to radiation, typically ultraviolet light. This phenomenon occurs when a substance absorbs energy and then re-emits it almost immediately as visible light. Fluorescence is commonly observed in various materials including minerals, dyes, and certain biological substances. The effect is used in applications such as fluorescence microscopy, fluorescent lamps, and safety markings. The duration of light emission is usually very short, often lasting only while the exciting source is present.
Synonyms
emit light, glow, light up, shine.
Examples of usage
- Certain minerals fluoresce under UV light.
- Fluorescent markers can fluoresce in daylight.
- Some cats' eyes fluoresce in the dark.
- DNA samples fluoresce when treated with specific dyes.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Fluorescent materials absorb light at one wavelength and emit it at a longer wavelength, often appearing as a bright color.
- This phenomenon is critical in many scientific applications, including fluorescent microscopy, where it helps to visualize cells and structures in biology.
Art
- Artists have used fluorescent paints to create striking visual effects in paintings and installations since the mid-20th century.
- Some modern art galleries have special lighting that highlights fluorescent elements, making artwork appear to glow.
Technology
- Fluorescent lights, commonly used in homes and offices, are more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, helping reduce electricity use.
- Smartphone displays and various electronic devices often utilize fluorescence to enhance color quality and brightness.
Biology
- Many organisms, such as jellyfish, exhibit natural fluorescence, which can serve various purposes, including attracting mates or deterring predators.
- Fluorescent proteins, like GFP (green fluorescent protein), are widely used in genetic and medical research to visualize biological processes.
Origin of 'fluoresce'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'fluoresce' comes from 'fluorescent,' which was derived in the late 19th century from the mineral 'fluorspar,' a source of fluorine.
- Fluorescence as a term was first documented around 1852, relating to the bright colors seen in certain minerals.
The term 'fluoresce' was derived from the word 'fluorescent,' which itself originated from the mineral 'fluorite' (CaF2). The name fluorite comes from the Latin word 'fluere,' meaning 'to flow,' due to its use as a flux in metal production. The phenomenon of fluorescence was first documented in the early 19th century when John Herschel observed that certain substances glowed when exposed to sunlight. The term 'fluorescence' was coined in the 1850s by the British scientist Stokes, who studied the light emitted by various materials. Over the years, the understanding of fluorescence has expanded significantly, leading to its application in many fields, such as medicine, biology, and materials science. Today, fluoresce is commonly used to describe the property of materials that emit light, particularly in scientific and industrial contexts.