/af"teuhr gloh', ahf"-/ , n.
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 (def. 3).
[ 1870-75; AFTER + GLOW ]