View synonyms for phosphorescence

phosphorescence

[ fos-fuh-res-uhns ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the property of being luminous at temperatures below incandescence, as from slow oxidation in the case of phosphorus or after exposure to light or other radiation.
a luminous appearance resulting from this.
any luminous radiation emitted from a substance after the removal of the exciting agent.

phosphorescence

/ ˌfɒsfəˈrɛsəns /

physics
1. a fluorescence that persists after the bombarding radiation producing it has stopped
2. a fluorescence for which the average lifetime of the excited atoms is greater than 10 ^–8seconds
the light emitted in phosphorescence
See fluorescence
the emission of light during a chemical reaction, such as bioluminescence, in which insufficient heat is evolved to cause fluorescence Compare fluorescence

First recorded in 1790–1800; phosphoresc(ent) + -ence

The color of the phosphorescence differs in the sexes, and its intensity varies with the age and temperament.

The water gleamed with phosphorescence, and the yacht Spray left a wake of gleaming silver and gold and flashing jewels.

Urgent as the situation was, he stood for a few moments meditative, contemplating the phosphorescence of the waves.

That is phosphorescence, which is very common in tropical seas, sometimes the whole sea is alight with it.

There is no light in these depths: they make it with their own phosphorescence.

April 17, 2024axolotl

[ak-suh-lot-l ]

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