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photochemistry

American  
[foh-toh-kem-uh-stree] / ˌfoʊ toʊˈkɛm ə stri /

noun

  1. the branch of chemistry that deals with the chemical action of light.


photochemistry British  
/ ˌfəʊtəʊˈkɛmɪstrɪ /

noun

  1. Also called: actinochemistry.  the branch of chemistry concerned with the chemical effects of light and other electromagnetic radiations

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

photochemistry Scientific  
/ fō′tō-kĕmĭ-strē /
  1. The scientific study of the effects of light and ultraviolet radiation on chemical reactions.


Other Word Forms

  • photochemic adjective
  • photochemical adjective
  • photochemically adverb
  • photochemist noun

Etymology

Origin of photochemistry

First recorded in 1865–70; photo- + chemistry

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Using light makes it possible to guide reactions with extremely fine control, a field known as photochemistry.

From Science Daily

The free radical generated from photochemistry comes into play here, entering the enzyme active site and engaging the enzymatic intermediate to enable new chemistry.

From Science Daily

Renewed interest in this light emission, driven by nanoscale temperature mapping and photochemistry applications, has reignited the debate surrounding its origins.

From Science Daily

Anyone who wants to produce medication, plastics or fertilizer using conventional methods needs heat for chemical reactions -- but not so with photochemistry, where light provides the energy.

From Science Daily

"Achieving a system like ours has been a significant challenge in photochemistry," says Katsuyama.

From Science Daily