How to Pronounce “fluorescent”

American (US)

/flɔˈɹɛsənt/

British (UK)

/ˌflʊəˈɹɛsənt/

adjective — Of or relating to fluorescence.

Where the stress falls. “fluorescent” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /flɔˈɹɛsənt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /flɔˈɹɛsənt/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "fluorescent" mean?

fluorescent (adjective): Of or relating to fluorescence.

How do you pronounce "fluorescent" in American vs British English?

American English: /flɔˈɹɛsənt/. British English: /ˌflʊəˈɹɛsənt/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "fluorescent"?

/flɔˈɹɛsənt/ in American English, /ˌflʊəˈɹɛsənt/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "fluorescent"?

“fluorescent” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /flɔˈɹɛsənt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.