phosphorescence

noun

phos·​pho·​res·​cence ˌfäs-fə-ˈre-sᵊn(t)s 

1

: 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 heat

Examples of phosphorescence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By measuring how quickly this light fades (that is, its phosphorescence lifetime), the researchers could calculate pO2 at the capillary level. —New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2025

When D’Silva signaled to turn off the flashlights and thrash our arms around, the blackness transformed into a beautiful cloud of luminous phosphorescence. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2025

Bioluminescence requires a chemical reaction within a living organism, while bio phosphorescence is the result of absorbing light from an outside source, then re-emitting it. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 19 May 2025

The sun had set, but now the lake was full of phosphorescence so all the movement in the water left sparkling tracers. —Hazlitt, 13 Nov. 2024

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

In general, phosphorescence signals are much longer-lasting than their fluorescent counterparts, allowing the Biofinder to distinguish between them. —Allison Gasparini, Scientific American, 27 July 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for phosphorescence

• acquiescence
• adolescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• effervescence
• efflorescence
• evanescence
• incandescence
• inflorescence
• iridescence
• luminescence
• obsolescence

Kids Definition

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 heat

Medical 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 heat