noun

phosphorescence

fos-fuh-RES-uhns

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Phosphorescence (noun) means the giving off of light without any noticeable heat. Example: “The plastic stars on the ceiling kept a faint phosphorescence long after the bedroom light was switched off.”

noun

The giving off of light without any noticeable heat.

"The plastic stars on the ceiling kept a faint phosphorescence long after the bedroom light was switched off."

"The old watch's dial gave off a dull phosphorescence in the darkened cinema."

"The safety sign's paint held its soft phosphorescence for several minutes after the power cut."

How to use phosphorescence

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt is light being given off by something without it feeling hot.

When to use it

This is a fairly technical or literary word, more common in science or descriptive writing than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Say it in four parts: fos-fuh-RES-uhns, with the stress on the third part.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

fluorescence

Common pairings

glow with phosphorescence trail of phosphorescence natural phosphorescence faint phosphorescence

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “phosphorescence” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The plastic stars on the ceiling kept a faint _____ long after the bedroom light was switched off.

Etymology

The word comes from phosphorescent, built from phosphoresce with the ending -ence.

Origin: English

Rhymes for phosphorescence

hence fence whence thence Spence valence absence science silence defence essence ambience

See all rhymes for phosphorescence →

Frequently asked questions

What is phosphorescence?

It is the emission of light by a substance without giving off any noticeable heat.

Is the glow seen in the sea at night phosphorescence?

That glow is usually bioluminescence, light produced by a chemical reaction inside tiny marine organisms, which is a related but different process from phosphorescence.

Is phosphorescence the same as luminescence?

Phosphorescence is a type of luminescence, the broader term for light produced without heat.

What is the meaning of phosphorescence?

"phosphorescence" (noun) means the giving off of light without any noticeable heat.