phosphorescent

[ fos-fuh-res-uhnt ]

adjective

1. exhibiting phosphorescence.

Other Words From

• phospho·rescent·ly adverb
• semi·phospho·rescent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosphorescent¹

First recorded in 1760–70; phosphor(us) + -escent

Example Sentences

Even without drinking the phosphorescent liquid, I can taste the sweetness of the artificial syrup I once savored.

From Salon

I marveled at her brilliant and gorgeous white flowers, especially during the magical blue hour when she would almost seem phosphorescent.

From Seattle Times

An assemblage of neon feathers and phosphorescent beads burst out of drawers and scattered across the floor.

From New York Times

He encountered the massive Rafflesia flower, which featured nearly two-foot-wide scarlet petals and smelled like a rotting corpse, and a phosphorescent fungus that emitted enough light at night to allow him to read a newspaper.

From National Geographic

Mr. Abbiati lauded the “phosphorescent beauty” of her tones, and “her technical agility, which is more than rare — it is unique.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• blazing
• brilliant
• dazzling
• flashing
• glistening
• glittering
• golden
• intense
• luminous
• radiant
• shimmering
• shiny
• silvery
• sparkling
• sunny
• vivid