Bioluminesce
/ˌbaɪ.oʊˈluː.mɪ.nɛs/noun
The emission of light by living organisms.
Did you know?Bioluminescence has been used in ancient rituals, believed to attract spirits or illuminate hidden truths.
Etymological Timeline
Late 19th Century
English
bioluminescence
“The phenomenon of light produced by living organisms.”
Greek
Greek
bios
“Life.”
Latin
Latin
lumen
“Light.”
Old English
Old English
luma
“Gleam or glow.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*lewk-
“To shine or be light.”
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