immunofluorescence

noun

im·​mu·​no·​flu·​o·​res·​cence ˌi-myə-nō-(ˌ)flȯ-ˈre-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce immunofluorescence (audio) -(ˌ)flu̇(-ə)- How to pronounce immunofluorescence (audio)
i-ˌmyü-nō-
: the labeling of antibodies or antigens with fluorescent dyes especially for the purpose of demonstrating the presence of a particular antigen or antibody in a tissue preparation or smear
immunofluorescent
ˌi-myə-nō-(ˌ)flȯ-ˈre-sᵊnt How to pronounce immunofluorescence (audio)
-(ˌ)flu̇(-ə)-, 
i-ˌmyü-nō-
adjective

Examples of immunofluorescence 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.
Or, a healthcare provider may use an immunofluorescence assay. — Health Editorial Team, Health, 21 Apr. 2023 This was also paired with immunofluorescence microscopy, which uses antibodies linked to fluorescent dyes to tag specific proteins or cells. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 Another type of quick influenza test known as an immunofluorescence assay has similar reliability problems. — Elizabeth Svoboda, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 2019 This multicolor immunofluorescence image shows human endothelial cells being infected by cytomegalovirus. — Discover Magazine, 29 June 2010 Common testing methods include reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, viral culture and immunofluorescence assays. — Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026 First, a sensitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or immunofluorescence assay (IFA), both of which look for the presence of antibodies, or proteins the immune system produces in response to an antigen (a foreign substance in the body, such as a virus). — Kate Fridkis, SELF, 14 Apr. 2021

Word History

Etymology

immuno- + fluorescence

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of immunofluorescence was in 1960

Rhymes for immunofluorescence

See All Rhymes for immunofluorescence

Browse Nearby Words

immunoelectrophoresis
immunofluorescence
immunogen
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Immunofluorescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immunofluorescence. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

immunofluorescence

noun
im·​mu·​no·​flu·​o·​res·​cence -(ˌ)flu̇(-ə)r-ˈes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce immunofluorescence (audio) -flōr- How to pronounce immunofluorescence (audio)
-flȯr-
: the labeling of antibodies or antigens with fluorescent dyes especially for the purpose of demonstrating the presence of a particular antigen or antibody in a tissue preparation or smear
immunofluorescent
-ᵊnt How to pronounce immunofluorescence (audio)
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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