phosphor

noun

phos·​phor ˈfäs-fər How to pronounce phosphor (audio)
-ˌfȯr
variants or less commonly phosphore
ˈfäs-ˌfȯr How to pronounce phosphor (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These tubes send light to a photocathode tube, producing electrons; these electrons are then accelerated onto a phosphor screen, creating an image. — Matt Morris, Space.com, 26 Dec. 2024 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

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

Phrases Containing phosphor

Rhymes for phosphor

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Browse Nearby Words

phosphoprotein
phosphor
phosphoramidic acid
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Cite this Entry

“Phosphor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphor. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

phosphor

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

Medical Definition

phosphor

noun
phos·​phor ˈfäs-fər, -ˌfȯ(ə)r How to pronounce phosphor (audio)
variants also phosphore
-ˌfō(ə)r, -ˌfȯ(ə)r, -fər How to pronounce phosphor (audio)
: 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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