phosphorescence
nounUK /ˌfɒs.fəˈɹɛs.əns/ · US /ˌfɑs.fəˈɹɛs.əns/
Etymology From phosphorescent. Morphologically phosphoresce + -ence.
1
The emission of light without any perceptible heat; the quality of being phosphorescent.
- Mr. Nott proceeded to say that "since the discovery of Photography, there is, perhaps, no branch of electrical physics more interesting than that which comprehends the phenomena of phosphorescence."1846, (unknown), “On the Theory of Photographic Action”, in Scientific American, volume 2, number 13, page 104:
- We saw a round red sun rise over the City, paint the glassy towers with phosphorescence and, as it brightened and lost its shape, sprinkle across the sky feathers of pink and lilac.2002, Barbara Vine, Grasshopper, page 138:
- Derived terms
- electrophosphorescence, hyperphosphorescence, photophosphorescence
- Related terms
- luminescence