a substance in luminescent organisms, as fireflies, that produces light by combining with oxygen in the presence of luciferase
See luciferin in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(lo͞o-sĭfˈər-ĭn)
noun
A chemical substance present in the cells of bioluminescent organisms, such as fireflies, that produces an almost heatless, bluish-green light when oxidized under the catalytic effects of luciferase and ATP.