fluorescent lamp

noun

: a usually tubular electric lamp having a coating of fluorescent material on its inner surface and containing mercury vapor whose bombardment by electrons from the cathode provides ultraviolet light which causes the material to emit visible light

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, the American Cancer Society's website explains that doctors may use fluorescent lamps to administer carefully controlled UV-A and UV-B treatments for those with skin lymphoma. —Ian Richardson, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2020

Another good option for cost savings is using compact fluorescent lamps, or CFLs. —Adam Shell, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2020

Housecall reports that each incandescent light bulb could cost you up to $180 in electricity, while a compact fluorescent lamp bulb would only cost you $41 per bulb, and an LED bulb would only cost you about $30 per bulb. —Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, 15 May 2019

Using new lighting technologies, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), can reduce the energy use required by lighting by more than half. —Sarah Bowman, Indianapolis Star, 1 Jan. 2018

The Dingo Fence is made of wooden posts connected by wire mesh (electric in some sections) and much of it is lit at night by alternating red and white fluorescent lamps and patrolled by a staff of 23 full-time employees. —Ken Jennings, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Dec. 2017

The recycling plant operated as a waste facility for fluorescent lamps until the fire, said Eric Pohl, an EPA on scene coordinator. —Justin Madden, cleveland.com, 28 Feb. 2018

And forget about using the tube fluorescent lamps that were everywhere in the 1970s. —Elizabeth Anne Hartman, WSJ, 17 Aug. 2017

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Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fluorescent lamp

noun

: an electric lamp in the form of a tube in which light is produced on the inside fluorescent coating by the action of ultraviolet light