phosphoresce

verb

phos·pho·resce ˌfäs-fə-ˈres

phosphoresced; phosphorescing

intransitive verb

: to exhibit phosphorescence

Word History

Etymology

probably back-formation from phosphorescent

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of phosphoresce was in 1795

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Browse Nearby Words

phosphoreal

phosphoresce

phosphorescence

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Phosphoresce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphoresce. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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Medical Definition

phosphoresce

intransitive verb

phos·pho·resce ˌfäs-fə-ˈres

phosphoresced; phosphorescing

: to exhibit phosphorescence

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