phosphorescence

Phosphorescence is light emitted after exposure to radiation, or produced by something that doesn't produce flame or heat.

(noun)

An example of phosphorescence is the light from a glow stick.

See phosphorescence in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

1. the condition or property of a substance of giving off a lingering emission of light after exposure to radiant energy, as light or X-rays
2. the light thus given off
a continuing luminescence without noticeable heat, as from phosphorus when it is slowly oxidized

Origin: Fr: see phosphorus & -escence

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See phosphorescence in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Persistent emission of light following exposure to and removal of incident radiation.
Emission of light without burning or by very slow burning without appreciable heat, as from the slow oxidation of phosphorous: “He saw the phosphorescence of the Gulf weed in the water” (Ernest Hemingway).

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