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

Photogen and Nycteris, The History of:— "All Day he basked in the full Splendor of the Sun," 36; "Nycteris opened her Eyes to see her vanish through a Picture," 45; "Like a swift Shadow it sped over the Grass," 53; "What is this? it must be death," 84; "It tumbled Heels over Head with a great Thud," 92.

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Photogen and Nycteris, The History of:—36, 44, 52, 63, 83, 90.

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I think "The History of Photogen and Nycteris" was the best story of all, but sister Addie likes "Across the Ocean" best, because it teaches her geography.

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

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At the very moment when Photogen caught up Nycteris, the telescope of Watho was angrily sweeping the table-land.

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