Phosphorescence Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster
luminescence that is caused by the absorption of radiations (such as light or electrons) and continues for a noticeable time after these radiations have stopped
compare FLUORESCENCE
2
: an enduring luminescence without sensible heatExamples of phosphorescence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The paintings are unnervingly picturesque: brilliant poppies against the violet-blue of a French afternoon, translucent ice floes glistening in the aquamarine waters of the Arctic, backlit palm trees in the eerie orange phosphorescence of a desert storm.
—Nicola Twilley, The New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2023
The vaporous mist of the morning dew is really the phosphorescence of toxic radiation.
—Jeff Weiss, Spin, 21 Aug. 2023
Sure enough, phosphorescence lights the way.
—Lauren Puckett-Pope, ELLE, 25 Feb. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘phosphorescence.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.SPONSORED CONTENT
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By WalmartWord History
First Known Use
1770, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of phosphorescence was in 1770
See more words from the same yearDictionary Entries Near phosphorescence
phosphoresce
phosphorescence
phosphorescentCite this Entry
Style“Phosphorescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphorescence. Accessed 23 Nov. 2023.
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phosphorescence
noun
phos·pho·res·cence ˌfäs-fə-ˈres-ᵊn(t)s
1
: a light given off at low temperatures that is caused by the absorption of radiations (as X-rays or ultraviolet light) and continuing for a noticeable time after these radiations have stopped
2
: an enduring light given off with little heatMedical Definition
phosphorescence
noun
phos·pho·res·cence -ˈres-ᵊn(t)s
1
: luminescence that is caused by the absorption of radiation at one wavelength followed by delayed reradiation at a different wavelength and that continues for a noticeable time after the incident radiation stops
2
: an enduring luminescence without sensible heatMore from Merriam-Webster on phosphorescence
Nglish: Translation of phosphorescence for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phosphorescence
Last Updated: 13 Oct 2023 – Updated example sentences
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