Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Luciferin

Luciferin (lo*sif"ẽr*in) , noun

(Biochemistry) 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 firefly luciferin