fluorescent — producing bright light by means of fluorescence, especially when exposed to radiation
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: producing bright light by means of fluorescence, especially when exposed to radiation
Pronunciation (IPA): /flʊəˈrɛsnt/
Example Sentences
- My teacher's fluorescent yellow highlighter was so bright that I needed sunglasses to read my notes.
- The fluorescent lighting in the supermarket makes everything look artificial.
- She wore a fluorescent pink jacket that could probably be seen from space.
fluorescent
ADJECTIVE[/flʊəˈrɛsnt/]
producing bright light by means of fluorescence, especially when exposed to radiation
The fluorescent tubes buzz to life, flooding the empty subway station with cold white light.
The fluorescent moon becomes a crescent
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term emerged in the 19th century from observations of light emitted by fluorite, a mineral that glows mysteriously when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Scientists coined the word to describe this luminescent phenomenon, deriving it from the mineral's Latin name fluorspar, which itself comes from Latin fluere meaning 'to flow', referencing the mineral's use as a flux in metalworking.
Breakdown
fluor- (from Latin fluere, 'to flow', referring to fluorite mineral) + -escent (suffix meaning 'beginning to be' or 'becoming'), together describing the property of becoming luminous or emitting light.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My teacher's fluorescent yellow highlighter was so bright that I needed sunglasses to read my notes.”
“The fluorescent lighting in the supermarket makes everything look artificial.”
“She wore a fluorescent pink jacket that could probably be seen from space.”
“The fluorescent minerals in the cave glowed beautifully under ultraviolet light.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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