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fluorescent able to react to external radiation by emitting electromagnetic radiation, usu. in the form of visible light.
fluorescent lamp a glass tube with a fluorescent coating on the inside that gives off light when the mercury vapor in the tube is bombarded with a stream of electrons.
fluoridate to add a fluoride to (a water supply) in order to decrease or prevent tooth decay.
fluoridation the introduction of controlled amounts of a fluoride into a public water supply as a preventative of tooth decay.
fluoride a chemical compound that contains fluorine as one of its elements.
fluorinate to treat, combine, or inject with fluorine. [2 definitions]
fluorine an extremely reactive chemical element of the halogen group that has nine protons in each nucleus and that occurs naturally only in compounds such as fluoride salts, but that can be isolated in pure form as a yellowish, highly toxic gas. (symbol: F)
fluorite a transparent, crystalline, and variously colored mineral that is the chief source of fluorine; calcium fluoride.
fluoro- fluorine. [2 definitions]
fluorocarbon any of various organic chemical compounds resulting from the substitution of fluorine for hydrogen in a hydrocarbon, used in refrigeration, lubrication, plastic and resin manufacture, as a fire extinguisher, and formerly as the propellant in aerosol cans.
fluorometer a device used to detect and measure the wavelength and intensity of fluorescence.
fluoroscope a fluorescent screen used with x-rays or other radiation for viewing the internal structure of opaque objects such as the human body.
fluoroscopy examination by means of a fluoroscope.
fluorosis an abnormal condition, such as mottling of teeth, caused by excess intake of fluoride compounds.
fluorspar see "fluorite."
flurry a light snowfall that lasts only a short time. [4 definitions]
flush1 a brief but heavy gush or flow, esp. of water. [10 definitions]
flush2 full, plentiful, or plentifully supplied, as with money. [6 definitions]
flush3 to frighten from cover or cause to start up or take flight. [3 definitions]
flush4 a hand or set of playing cards all of the same suit, of special value in certain card games.
fluster to cause to be or to become nervous, confused, or agitated. [2 definitions]