The Collaborative International Dictionary
Luciferase \Lu*cif"er*ase\ (l[=oo]*s[i^]f"[~e]r*[=a]s), n. (Biochem.) an enzyme which catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin, thereby producing bioluminescence.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
supposed enzyme found in fireflies and other glowing creatures, 1888, from French luciférase; see Lucifer. Related: Luciferin.
Wiktionary
n. (context enzyme English) Any one of a group of enzymes that produce bioluminescence by oxidizing luciferin.
Wikipedia
Luciferase is a generic term for the class of oxidative enzymes that produce bioluminescence, and is distinct from a photoprotein. The name is derived from Lucifer, the root of which means 'light-bearer' (lucem ferre). One example is the firefly luciferase from the firefly Photinus pyralis. "Firefly luciferase" as a laboratory reagent often refers to P. pyralis luciferase although recombinant luciferases from several other species of fireflies are also commercially available.
Usage examples of "luciferase".
When this oxydizes in the presence of a catalyst, luciferase, the entire energy of oxydation is converted into green light- no heat.