/floo res"euhns, flaw-, floh-/ , n. Physics, Chem.
1. the emission of radiation, esp. of visible light, by a substance during exposure to external radiation, as light or x-rays. Cf. phosphorescence (def. 1).
2. the property possessed by a substance capable of such emission.
3. the radiation so produced.
[ 1852; FLUOR(SPAR) + -ESCENCE, on the model of OPALESCENCE, in reference to the mineral's newly discovered property ]