noun
phosphor
FAHS-for/fˈɑsfˌɔr/
A substance that emits light when energized.
The phosphor coating glows green after exposure to light.
Etymology
The roots form the image of a “light-bearer,” originally a name for the morning star. The name later extended to glowing substances, connecting that image to a phosphor’s emission of light.
In context
on top of the blue led is placed a blob of encapsulated phosphor that fluoresces and emits yellow light when excited by the blue output of the led
More examples
- Electrons strike the screen's phosphor, producing tiny points of light.
- Some LEDs use a phosphor to convert blue light into yellow light.
- Different phosphors produce different colors when energized.
Forms
phosphor · phosphors
Similar words
- fluorophore
- Emits light through fluorescence, rather than other light-producing processes.
- scintillator
- Produces brief flashes of light when struck by ionizing radiation.