photosensitive

adjective

pho·​to·​sen·​si·​tive ˌfō-tō-ˈsen(t)-s(ə-)tiv 

1

: sensitive to the action of radiant energy

photosensitive paper

2

: being or caused by an abnormal reaction to sunlight

photosensitive rashes

photosensitivity

ˌfō-tō-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈti-və-tē 

noun

Examples of photosensitive in a Sentence

paper with a photosensitive coating

Recent Examples on the Web

But Nicole Kidman is (literally) mother in this 2001 modern classic, playing a woman living with her two photosensitive children in a big dark estate in Jersey — the island, not the state — during World War II. —Samantha Allen, Them, 15 Oct. 2024

Generally, use of these products is not recommended if the user is pregnant, has epilepsy, on photosensitive medications or has certain skin or eye conditions. —Mason Leib, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2024

By a process known as plate solving—a term that dates back to the early days when astrophotographers made images on glass plates coated with a photosensitive compound—the scope will take several photos. —PCMAG, 16 May 2024

Celluloid is a strip of flammable skin, coated with photosensitive chemicals, and unsurpassed in its registration of human flesh—the warm and no less sensitive exterior of living creatures. —Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

photosensitive

adjective

pho·​to·​sen·​si·​tive ˌfōt-ō-ˈsen(t)-sət-iv, -ˈsen(t)-stiv 

1

: sensitive or sensitized to the action of radiant energy

photosensitive paper

2

: being or caused by an abnormal reaction to sunlight

photosensitive rashes

photosensitivity

-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun

plural photosensitivities