photoelectric

[ foh-toh-i-lek-trik ]

adjective

1. pertaining to the electronic or other electric effects produced by light.

photoelectric

/ ˌfəʊtəʊɪlɛkˈtrɪsɪtɪ; ˌfəʊtəʊɪˈlɛktrɪk /

adjective

1. of or concerned with electric or electronic effects caused by light or other electromagnetic radiation

photoelectric

/ fō′tō-ĭ-lĕk′trĭk /

1. Relating to or exhibiting to electrical effects upon exposure to light. For example, some photoelectric materials emit electrons called photoelectrons upon exposure to certain frequencies of light; others, such as photoresistors and phototransistors, change their electrical properties.
2. See also photoelectric effect

Derived Forms

• ˌphotoeˈlectrically, adverb
• photoelectricity, noun

Other Words From

• photo·e·lectri·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of photoelectric¹

First recorded in 1860–65; photo- + electric

Example Sentences

Or there may be an inelastic collision, when the photon hits an atom and knocks out an electron—the old photoelectric effect.

From Project Gutenberg

Two photoelectric robot machine guns followed each movement of the duelists.

From Project Gutenberg

He passed his hand rapidly over the photoelectric eye of the commo box.

From Project Gutenberg

Here's your photoelectric light key for room 2305 F. That's on the two hundred thirtieth floor.

From Project Gutenberg

When I went downstairs he followed me, quietly, and I could feel his wide photoelectric eye-cells upon my back.

From Project Gutenberg