photoelectric cell

American  

noun

Electronics.

1. photocell.

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photoelectric cell British  

noun

1. another name for photocell

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photoelectric cell Scientific  

1. An electronic device having an electrical output that varies in response to the strength of incident electromagnetic radiation, especially visible light. Photoelectric cells make use of the photoelectric effect, in which electrons are displaced by photons in substances such as silicon or selenium to generate a voltage in response to radiation. Photoelectric cells are used to detect light electronically in cameras and night vision apparatus and to generate electrical power in solar cells.

2. Also called photovoltaic cell

3. See also solar cell

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Etymology

Origin of photoelectric cell

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

photoelectric cell

Afterwards, he set up an experiment in his lab, involving an accelerometer, a scuba diving cap, two light beams, two mirrors, a photoelectric cell, and a lot of string.

From The Guardian ● Nov. 18, 2020

When the beam hits a lamppost, a fence or any such obstacle, its light reflects back to a lens and is focused on a photoelectric cell.

From Time Magazine Archive

Clamped on the translucent cartilage of a pilot's ear, a tiny light bulb emitting red and infra-red rays will shine through the ear lobe to illuminate a small photoelectric cell.

From Time Magazine Archive

Less light will filter through his ear lobe and less current will be given off by the photoelectric cell.

From Time Magazine Archive

It was the lens of a photoelectric cell.

From Islands of Space by Campbell, John Wood