luciferin

noun lu·cif·er·in \-f(ə-)rən\

Definition of LUCIFERIN

: any of various organic substances in luminescent organisms (as fireflies) that upon oxidation produce a virtually heatless light

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin lucifer light-bearing

First Known Use: 1888

Medical Dictionary

noun lu·cif·er·in \-(ə-)rən\

: any of various organic substances in luminescent organisms that furnish practically heatless light in undergoing oxidation promoted by luciferase

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