| phosphorescence | 1. <chemistry> Emission of light following absorption of radiation. Emitted light is of longer wavelength than the exciting radiation and is a result of decay of electrons from the triplet to the ground state. Lasts longer than fluorescence electron decay from singlet to ground state) and occurs after a longer delay. 2. <biology> Popularly misused as a term for biological luminescence, for example by fireflies. (31 Dec 1997) |
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| phosphorescent | Having the property of phosphorescence. (05 Mar 2000) |