A chemical substance that absorbs light and glows or fluoresces, used in microscopy and medical imaging to highlight cells and tissues.
From fluoro- (fluorine-related fluorescence) + Greek chroma, 'color'. The term arose in the mid-20th century as scientists developed fluorescent dyes for biological research.
Fluorochromes literally painted cells in neon colors, allowing scientists to see viruses and cancer cells glowing under microscopes—it's why your doctor can now spot diseases that were invisible just decades ago.
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