Definition

A bright orange-red compound that glows under certain conditions, often used in medical tests, ocean studies, and as a dye for fabrics.

Example

The doctor used fluorescein to help identify the problem in the patient's eye.

Conversation

I just learned about a dye called fluorescein in my chemistry class.

Oh really? What does it do?

It actually glows bright green when you put it in an alkaline solution!

That sounds cool! I bet it has some interesting applications.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Fluorescein is derived from "fluoresce" (from Latin "fluere", meaning to flow) and the suffix "-in" (used in chemistry to denote substances). The term refers to a substance that emits light when exposed to radiation, thus 'flowing' light.

Memory Tip

Think of 'flowing' light when you hear 'fluorescein', as it describes a substance that emits light.

Visually Confused Words