fluorescence
floor-ESS-uhns
Definition
The emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation, often used by organisms for camouflage or signaling.
Etymology
The word is derived from the mineral fluorite, combined with the suffix -escence, which denotes a process or state of beginning. It was coined in the 19th century by physicist George Gabriel Stokes to describe the phenomenon observed when certain materials emit light after absorbing ultraviolet rays.
In the news
In the article, the word appears in the context of a related study on gall crabs, which use fluorescence to blend into their coral environments. It highlights how certain marine species employ light-based biological adaptations for survival.
KAUST scientists discover corals can be trained to fight disease
Read the full article ↗Arab News PK