What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
phosphorescence
Example
The phosphorescence of the watch made it easy to read the time in the dark. [phosphorescence: noun]
Example
The rocks on the beach glowed with a green phosphorescence. [phosphorescence: noun]
luminescence
Example
The luminescence of the jellyfish was mesmerizing to watch. [luminescence: noun]
Example
The laboratory used luminescent markers to track the movement of cells. [luminescent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Luminescence is more commonly used than phosphorescence in scientific contexts, while phosphorescence is more commonly used in everyday language to describe glowing objects.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between phosphorescence and luminescence?
Luminescence is more formal than phosphorescence due to its frequent use in scientific contexts.
