photonegative

American  

[foh-tuh-neg-uh-tiv] / ˌfoʊ təˈnɛg ə tɪv /

adjective

Physics.

1. pertaining to a substance, as selenium, having a conductivity that decreases upon absorption of electromagnetic radiation.

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photonegative British  

/ ˌfəʊtəʊˈnɛɡətɪv /

adjective

1. physics (of a material) having an electrical conductivity that decreases with increasing illumination

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Etymology

Origin of photonegative

First recorded in 1910–15; photo- + negative

Example Sentences

Right now, too many places are operating in photonegative space from common sense, imposing on those who did the right thing while coddling those who refuse to do the bare minimum.

From Salon • Jul. 27, 2021

Now approaching 40, “I’m old enough to look back on my life and go: ‘That’s probably the photonegative shot in ‘Behind the Music,’” Mr. Mayer said.

From New York Times • Mar. 23, 2017

The wanderers are the photonegative opposites of ’60s hippies who deserted comfortable middle-class homes in search of adventure.

From New York Times • Dec. 7, 2016

“Pond” can be seen as a photonegative of “Walden,” in which Henry David Thoreau similarly spends most of his time alone near a small body of water.

From The New Yorker • Jul. 11, 2016

The black world was expanding before me, and I could see now that that world was more than a photonegative of that of the people who believe they are white.

From "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates