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.

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photochemistry British  

/ ˌfəʊtəʊˈkɛmɪstrɪ /

noun

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

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photochemistry Scientific  

/ fō′tō-kĕm′ĭ-strē /

1. The scientific study of the effects of light and ultraviolet radiation on chemical reactions.

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of photochemistry

First recorded in 1865–70; photo- + chemistry

Example Sentences

"This metal complex sets a new standard in photochemistry: it combines a record-breaking excited-state lifetime with simple synthesis," explained Professor Katja Heinze of the JGU Department of Chemistry.

From Science Daily • Nov. 26, 2025

A photochemistry lab at Harvard collaborated in the research by providing measurements of the UV absorbance patterns of ferric iron under extreme acidic conditions, in an attempt to mimic the even more extreme Venusian clouds.

From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2024

The complex photochemistry of these tiny particles has outsized, planetary-scale effects.

From Scientific American • Oct. 26, 2023

The meticulous development process of these photos comes down to photochemistry, the marriage between light and science.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2023

Another advantage of the flame-arc in photochemistry is the ease with which the quality or spectral character of the radiant energy may be altered by varying the chemical salts used in the carbons.

From Artificial Light Its Influence upon Civilization by Luckiesh, Matthew