phosphor

noun

phos·​phor ˈfäs-fər How to pronounce phosphor (audio)
-ˌfȯr
variants or less commonly phosphore
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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phosphor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin phosphorus, from Greek phōsphoros, literally, light bringer, from phōsphoros light-bearing, from phōs light + pherein to carry, bring — more at fancy, bear

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of phosphor was in 1706

Dictionary Entries Near phosphor

Cite this Entry

“Phosphor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphor. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

phosphor

noun
phos·​phor ˈfäs-fər How to pronounce phosphor (audio)
-ˌfȯ(ə)r
: a substance exhibiting phosphorescence

Medical Definition

phosphor

noun
variants also phosphore
: a phosphorescent substance
specifically : a substance that emits light when excited by radiation

More from Merriam-Webster on phosphor

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