phosphorescence

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the emission of light by a substance that continues after the source of excitation has been removed

   The dial's green phosphorescence remained visible after the lamp was switched off.

2. 2
   noun

   a faint glow resembling such persistent light, especially one produced without noticeable heat

   A pale phosphorescence shimmered across the damp cave wall.

From phosphorescent or phosphoresce + -ence. The base ultimately comes from Greek phosphoros, "light-bringing," formed from phos, "light," and pherein, "to carry." In modern physics, phosphorescence differs from fluorescence because the emitted light persists after excitation ends.

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