The Collaborative International Dictionary
Thermoluminescence \Ther`mo*lu`mi*nes"cence\, n. (Physics) Luminescence exhibited by a substance on being moderately heated. It is shown esp. by certain substances that have been exposed to the action of light or to X-rays. -- Ther`mo*lu`mi*nes"cent, a.
Wiktionary
n. (context physics English) The release of previously absorbed radiation upon being heated.
Wikipedia
Thermoluminescence is a form of luminescence that is exhibited by certain crystalline materials, such as some minerals, when previously absorbed energy from electromagnetic radiation or other ionizing radiation is re-emitted as light upon heating of the material. The phenomenon is distinct from that of black body radiation.
Usage examples of "thermoluminescence".
But wait a minute-if it was fired recently, it would flunk the thermoluminescence test, which gave an approximate date of the last firing.
Oxford Thermoluminescence Laboratory for analysis, using a new strontium technique which can fix the date of firing with even greater accuracy.
For inorganics, ceramics for example, or flint which has been burned before it was buried, we could use thermoluminescence dating, or TL, which in principle lets us date way further back than fifty thousand years.
This new thermoluminescence method can aid in determining the age of limestone and other rocks, such as dolomite, quartz, fluorite, and the feldspars, which are highly thermoluminescent.
The thermoluminescence test was the benchmark of authenticity for all articles made of fired clay.
When Sam was arguing about thermoluminescence tests, Pao looked at you for your reaction.