photochromic

American  

[foh-tuh-kroh-mik] / ˌfoʊ təˈkroʊ mɪk /

adjective

1. (of chemically treated glass or plastic) capable of darkening or changing color when exposed to light.

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photochromic British  

/ ˌfəʊtəʊˈkrəʊmɪk /

adjective

1. (of glass) changing colour with the intensity of incident light, used, for example, in sunglasses that darken as the sunlight becomes brighter

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Other Word Forms

• photochromism noun

Etymology

Origin of photochromic

First recorded in 1950–55; photo- + chrom- + -ic

Example Sentences

Photochromic sunglasses, or glasses that change to sunglasses in sunlight, already use a similar process, Cronin said.

From Salon

The physical design is all new, combining thin flat sides with a curved back panel that, at least on the “sunrise blue” model, uses a photochromic layer that changes color under exposure to sunlight.

From The Verge

I also wanted photochromic lenses that would darken in sunlight.

From Los Angeles Times

Before using your tablet or smartphone to link up with Y, put on a pair of photochromic ski goggles; amber works best.

From Seattle Times

Turtle Fur QuattroClava Face mask $45 at Turtle Fur Julbo Aerospace Goggles These goggles have photochromic lenses, which means they automatically get darker when ambient light increases, and then get lighter when the clouds come out.

From The Verge