afterglow

American  

[af-ter-gloh, ahf-] / ˈæf tərˌgloʊ, ˈɑf- /

noun

1. the glow frequently seen in the sky after sunset; afterlight.

2. a second or secondary glow, as in heated metal before it ceases to become incandescent.

3. the pleasant remembrance of a past experience, glory, etc..

   She basked in the afterglow of her stage triumph.

4. phosphorescence.

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afterglow British  

/ ˈɑːftəˌɡləʊ /

noun

1. the glow left after a light has disappeared, such as that sometimes seen after sunset

2. the glow of an incandescent metal after the source of heat has been removed

3. physics luminescence persisting on the screen of a cathode-ray tube or in a gas-discharge tube after the power supply has been disconnected

4. a trace, impression, etc, of past emotion, brilliance, etc

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Etymology

Origin of afterglow

First recorded in 1870–75; after + glow

Example Sentences

For now, Riley could bask in the afterglow of a major recruiting victory, knowing he’d fortified the future of the tight end position for the time being, at least.

From Los Angeles Times

"This is followed by what's known as afterglow, and at later times, the energy deposited into that star powers a supernova explosion."

From Scientific American

The Spartans are one of three local programs preparing for this new season in the afterglow of a state title, joining Yorktown and Briar Woods.

From Washington Post

In the afterglow of his unanimous-decision victory, the biggest win of his professional career, Ugas, 35, calmly answered questions about the fight and his future.

From New York Times

“Young people don’t really know that or share that sentiment,” said Horiguchi of those born decades after the ’64 Games and its afterglow.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bloom
• blossom
• brilliance
• glare
• gleam
• glimmer
• glitter
• intensity
• light
• radiance
• ray
• warmth