-esce, -escent, -escence
(Latin: beginning to be, becoming; to be somewhat; a suffix that forms nouns and adjectives)
pearlescence
pearlescent
phosphoresce
To continue to emit light without accompanying heat after exposure to and removal of a source of stimulating radiation.
phosphorescence
1. The emission of light in darkness by the release of absorbed radiation; also, the light so produced; see bioluminescence.
2. The continued emission of light without heat after exposure to and removal of a source of electromagnetic radiation.
2. The continued emission of light without heat after exposure to and removal of a source of electromagnetic radiation.
phosphorescent
1. Continuing to emit light after the source of stimulating radiation has been removed.
2. Having the property of shining in the dark; luminous without combustion or without sensible heat; self-luminous.
2. Having the property of shining in the dark; luminous without combustion or without sensible heat; self-luminous.
The emission of luminous energy from a substance as a result of the absorption of electromagnetic radiation: The frequency of the photoluminescence that is emitted is lower than that which is absorbed.
In the early evening, the sea snakes appeared to glisten in the dark as a result of the photoluminescence caused by the sun.
photoluminescent (adjective), more photoluminescent, most photoluminescent
Results of exposures to lucent or light waves that come from matter after it has absorbed photons or electric radiation: Photoluminescence is an important technique for measuring the purity and crystalline quality of semiconductors.
The rocks in the cave appeared to have a photoluminescent quality about them as they were blinking in the beam of the explorer's flashlight.
pinguescence
A condition of being fat.
prepubescent (pree" pyoo BES uhns) (adjective); more prepubescent, most prepubescent
Referring to the stage of life just before sexual characteristics appear in children: Mrs. Lawson loved teaching grade 5 in school when the children were still at the prepubescent age.
pubescence
1. The approach of the age of puberty or sexual maturity.
2. A covering of fine, soft hairs on the body.
3. The attainment or onset of puberty.
2. A covering of fine, soft hairs on the body.
3. The attainment or onset of puberty.
pubescent
1. Reaching puberty.
2. Covered with downy hair.
2. Covered with downy hair.
putresce
To become putrescent or putrid; to putrefy: "Ordinarily sewage does not putresce until from twenty-four to sixty hours after its discharge.
putrescence
1. The quality of rotting and becoming putrid.
2. In a state of progressive putrefaction; decay, corruption, rottenness.
2. In a state of progressive putrefaction; decay, corruption, rottenness.
quiescence
quiescent (adjective), more quiescent; most quiescent
1. Characterized by inactivity or repose; peacefulness and at rest: "The family was quiescent as they watched the interesting film on TV."
2. In medicine, pertaining to causing no trouble or symptoms: "The doctor told Jill that her quiescent gallstones should not be a problem; at least, not for awhile."
2. In medicine, pertaining to causing no trouble or symptoms: "The doctor told Jill that her quiescent gallstones should not be a problem; at least, not for awhile."
