photocell

[ foh-toh-sel ]

noun

, Electronics.

1. a solid-state device that converts light into electrical energy by producing a voltage, as in a photovoltaic cell, or uses light to regulate the flow of current, as in a photoconductive cell: used in automatic control systems for doors, lighting, etc.

photocell

/ ˈfəʊtəʊˌsɛl /

noun

1. a device in which the photoelectric or photovoltaic effect or photoconductivity is used to produce a current or voltage when exposed to light or other electromagnetic radiation. They are used in exposure meters, burglar alarms, etc Also calledphotoelectric cellelectric eye

photocell

/ fō′tō-sĕl′ /

1. See photoresistor

Word History and Origins

Origin of photocell¹

First recorded in 1890–95; photo- + cell

Example Sentences

A fast reading with the photocell gave me the apparent magnitude and a comparison with its absolute magnitude showed its distance.

From Project Gutenberg