1. to emit light without heat; to glow in the dark after exposure to light or radiation
Usage: third person singular present tense of phosphoresce; commonly used in scientific and technical contexts

Examples

• The watch dial phosphoresces brightly in the dark after being exposed to sunlight.
• Certain deep-sea creatures phosphoresce to attract prey in the ocean depths.
• The paint on the emergency exit sign phosphoresces to guide people during power outages.
• When exposed to ultraviolet light, the mineral sample phosphoresces with a blue-green glow.
• The glow-in-the-dark toy phosphoresces for several hours after the lights are turned off.