1. to emit light without heat; to glow with phosphorescence
Usage: intransitive; technical/scientific

Examples

• The deep-sea fish phosphoresce in the darkness of the ocean.
• Certain minerals phosphoresce when exposed to ultraviolet light.
• The watch dial continued to phosphoresce faintly throughout the night.
• Bioluminescent organisms phosphoresce to attract prey or communicate.
• The paint on the emergency exit sign phosphoresces to guide people in the dark.