n. (Biochem.) a type of luciferin produced by the firefly Photinus pyralis. Its structure has been elucidated, and chemically it is recognized as
n. (Biochem.) any of several substances found in luminescent organisms (such as the firefly, Photinus pyralis) which, when oxidized, produces an almost heatless light. It was first isolated from fireflies, and is the source of the firefly luminescence. See also