Etymology

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phos•phor \ˈfäs-fər, -ˌfȯr\ also phos•phore \-ˌfȯr, -fər\ n

[L phosphorus, fr. Gk phōsphoros, lit., light bringer, fr. phōsphoros light-bearing, fr. phōs light + pherein to carry, bring — more at fancy, bear] 1705

1 : a phosphorescent substance

2 : a luminescent substance that emits light when excited by radiation (as electrons) and is used esp. in fluorescent lamps and cathode-ray tubes

Merriam-Webster, Inc: Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. Eleventh ed. Springfield, Mass. : Merriam-Webster, Inc., 2003