1. a substance that emits light when struck by radiation or electrons, used in fluorescent lamps and cathode-ray tubes
Usage: technical; often used in plural form 'phosphors'
2. the element phosphorus or a phosphorus-containing compound
Usage: archaic or poetic

Examples

• The phosphor coating inside the fluorescent tube glows when electricity passes through it.
• Different phosphors produce different colors of light in display screens.
• The old television used phosphors to create the image on the screen.
• Scientists developed new phosphors for more efficient lighting applications.
• The phosphor in the lamp gradually loses its brightness over time.