luciferase

noun

lu·​cif·​er·​ase lü-ˈsi-fə-ˌrās 

-ˌrāz

: an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin

Examples of luciferase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The luciferase catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin, producing blue light, which GFP then absorbs and re-emits as green fluorescence. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026

When disturbed, sea pansies emit a blue-green light produced by a biochemical reaction involving luciferase, luciferin and green fluorescent protein (GFP). —Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026

When disturbed, sea pansies emit a blue-green glow produced by a biochemical reaction involving luciferase, luciferin and green fluorescent protein. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026

When disturbed, sea pansies emit a blue-green glow produced by a biochemical reaction involving luciferase, luciferin and green fluorescent protein (GFP). —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French luciférase, from Latin lūcifer "light-bearing" + French -ase -ase — more at lucifer

Note: See note at luciferin.

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for luciferase

• atpase
• bioassays
• carboxylase
• cholinesterase
• coagulase
• collagenase
• communiques
• glucosidase
• hexokinase
• hydroxylase
• isomerase
• microarrays

Medical Definition

luciferase

noun

lu·​cif·​er·​ase lü-ˈsif-ə-ˌrās, -ˌrāz 

: an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin