phosphorescent
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌfɒsfəˈrɛsənt/
KK: /fɑsˈfɔrɛsənt/
adjective
Definition
Describing a material that can give off light for a while after being charged or exposed to light, even when the light source is removed.
Example
The phosphorescent paint glowed in the dark after being exposed to sunlight.
Conversation
Have you seen those phosphorescent stars that glow in the dark?
Yeah, they're so cool! I love how they look at night.
I want to get some for my room; they would be awesome on the ceiling.
Definitely! They create such a nice atmosphere when they're glowing.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
luminous
glowing
radiant
Antonyms
dim
dark
dull
noun
Definition
A material that can absorb light and then emit it slowly over time, often glowing in the dark after being exposed to light.
Example
The phosphorescent paint glowed in the dark after being charged by sunlight.
Conversation
Have you ever seen a phosphorescent glow in the dark?
Yeah, I saw some on a beach once; it was amazing!
I read that it’s caused by a special type of algae that glows.
Root Explanation
Phosphorescent → It is formed from "phosphor" (from Greek "phosphoros", meaning light-bringer or bearer of light) and "-escent" (meaning becoming or having the quality of). The word "phosphorescent" describes something that has the quality of becoming light-bearing or glowing in the dark.
Memory Tip
Think of 'phosphor' as something that 'brings light' and '-escent' as 'becoming' — so phosphorescent means something that becomes light-bearing.
Visually Confused Words
semiphosphorescent
tribophosphorescent
photophosphorescent