fluorescent

adjective

fluo·​res·​cent flu̇-ˈre-sᵊnt How to pronounce fluorescent (audio)
flȯ-
1
: having or relating to fluorescence
2
: bright and glowing as a result of fluorescence
fluorescent inks
broadly : very bright in color
fluorescent noun
fluorescently adverb

Examples of fluorescent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Inside his new thriller, those themes collide under the fluorescent glare of LAX. — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 The classic example of a fluorescent protein, which won its discoverer a Nobel, is GFP, the green fluorescent protein. — ArsTechnica, 27 Oct. 2026 The environment of wartime New York rings out silently but urgently from Nighthawks; as a temple of fluorescent light persisting through the infernal darkness, Hopper’s diner figuratively and symbolically resists the blackouts imposed upon the city. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026 Conventional diamond quantum sensors measure fluorescent light that is emitted by these defects. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fluorescent

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fluorescent was in 1853

Phrases Containing fluorescent

Rhymes for fluorescent

See All Rhymes for fluorescent

Browse Nearby Words

fluorescence
fluorescent
fluorescent brightener
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fluorescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluorescent. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fluorescent

adjective
flu·​o·​res·​cent
ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈes-ᵊnt
1
: having or relating to fluorescence
2
: very bright in color
fluorescent markers
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