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variants
or less commonly phosphore
ˈfäs-ˌfȯr
-fər
1
: a phosphorescent substance
2
: a luminescent substance that emits light when excited by radiation (such as electrons) and is used especially in fluorescent lamps and cathode-ray tubes
Examples of phosphor in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Unlike traditional luminous materials that rely on a single type of phosphorescent compound, Ming Polar White incorporates a carefully balanced blend of multiple phosphors.
—Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
There is a white phosphor choice of NVG as well as color.
—New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2024
Manufacturers coated the back of the glass with tiny phosphor dots that glowed red, green or blue when struck by electron beams from the tube.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 26 July 2024
Experts believe that purple streetlights are a result of this phosphor coating peeling off or degrading away due to issues in the manufacturing process.
—Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024
In order to split this light into the whole spectrum of colors that creates white light, manufacturers paint a material called phosphor onto the diodes inside the bulb.
—Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024
The phosphor coating has been peeling off exposing the LED's blue color.
—Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2024
Ram Seshadri, a materials science professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, told Scientific American that the phosphor technique is sound.
—Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2024
The issue, the company said, is the result of a defective phosphor coating in the street light fixtures, which was designed to make the bluish color of the LEDs appear white.
—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 1 June 2023
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Word History
Phrases Containing phosphor
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Cite this Entry
“Phosphor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphor. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
phosphor
noun
phos·phor
ˈfäs-fər
-ˌfȯ(ə)r
: a substance exhibiting phosphorescence
Medical Definition
phosphor
noun
phos·phor
ˈfäs-fər, -ˌfȯ(ə)r
variants
also phosphore
: a phosphorescent substance
specifically
: a substance that emits light when excited by radiation
More from Merriam-Webster on phosphor
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phosphor
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