photogen

[ foh-tuh-juhn, -jen ]

noun

1. a light oil obtained by the distillation of bituminous shale, coal, or peat: once commercially produced chiefly as an illuminant and as a solvent.
2. Biology. a photogenic organ, organism, or substance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of photogen¹

First recorded in 1855–60; photo- + -gen

Example Sentences

He had scarcely said it when he repented; nor did he regret it the less when he found that Photogen made no reply.

From Project Gutenberg

Photogen slept, and slept; and Nycteris sat motionless lest she should waken him, and so betray him to his fear.

From Project Gutenberg

"But you don't know what mad animals there are away there toward the south," said Photogen.

From Project Gutenberg

I like "Photogen and Nycteris" so much that I can hardly wait till the next number comes.

From Project Gutenberg

So that, as Photogen grew older, Fargu began to tremble, for he found it steadily growing harder to restrain him.

From Project Gutenberg