photosensitive

adjective

pho·​to·​sen·​si·​tive ˌfō-tō-ˈsen(t)-s(ə-)tiv How to pronounce photosensitive (audio)
1
: sensitive to the action of radiant energy
photosensitive paper
2
: being or caused by an abnormal reaction to sunlight
photosensitive rashes

Examples of photosensitive in a Sentence

paper with a photosensitive coating
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for photosensitive 

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of photosensitive was in 1886

Dictionary Entries Near photosensitive

Cite this Entry

“Photosensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photosensitive. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

photosensitive

adjective
pho·​to·​sen·​si·​tive ˌfōt-ō-ˈsen(t)-sət-iv, -ˈsen(t)-stiv How to pronounce photosensitive (audio)
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 noun
plural photosensitivities

More from Merriam-Webster on photosensitive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!