/fos'feuh res"euhns/ , n.
1. 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.
2. a luminous appearance resulting from this.
3. any luminous radiation emitted from a substance after the removal of the exciting agent.
[ 1790-1800; PHOSPHORESC(ENT) + -ENCE ]