1. A light-producing organ found in certain deep-sea fish and other marine animals, typically used for communication or attracting prey.
Usage: biology; marine science
2. A device or apparatus designed to produce or emit light.
Usage: technical; rare

Examples

• The anglerfish uses its photophore, a bioluminescent lure, to attract prey in the darkness of the deep ocean.
• Many species of squid possess photophores along their bodies that glow with a blue-green light.
• Scientists study photophores to understand how deep-sea creatures communicate in the absence of sunlight.
• The photophore of the lanternfish allows it to produce light for both hunting and social signaling.
• Bioluminescent photophores have evolved independently in numerous marine species across different ocean depths.