photoexcitation

noun

pho·​to·​ex·​ci·​ta·​tion ˌfō-tō-ˌek-ˌsī-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce photoexcitation (audio)
-ˌek-sə-
: the process of exciting the atoms or molecules of a substance by the absorption of radiant energy
photoexcited adjective

Examples of photoexcitation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Molecules have energy levels, just like electrons in atoms, and in order to effect the change in the retinal via photoexcitation, a photon has to have enough energy to cause a transition between the isomers. Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 25 May 2012

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of photoexcitation was in 1914

Dictionary Entries Near photoexcitation

Cite this Entry

“Photoexcitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photoexcitation. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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