Main Entry: phos·phor

Pronunciation: \ˈfäs-fər, -ˌfȯr\

Variant(s): also phos·phore \-ˌfȯr, -fər\

Function: noun

Etymology: Latin phosphorus, from Greek phōsphoros, literally, light bringer, from phōsphoros light-bearing, from phōs light + pherein to carry, bring — more at fancy, bear

Date: 1705

1 : a phosphorescent substance
2 : a luminescent substance that emits light when excited by radiation (as electrons) and is used especially in fluorescent lamps and cathode-ray tubes