photoperiod

[ foh-tuh-peer-ee-uhd ]

nounBiology.

the interval in a 24-hour period during which a plant or animal is exposed to light.

Origin of photoperiod

First recorded in 1915–20; photo- + period

Other words from photoperiod

pho·to·pe·ri·od·ic [foh-tuh-peer-ee-od-ik], /ˌfoʊ təˌpɪər iˈɒd ɪk/, pho·to·pe·ri·od·i·cal, adjective
pho·to·pe·ri·od·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words Nearby photoperiod

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use photoperiod in a sentence

Broad limits to functional reproductive activity seem to be set by the photoperiod—neuroendocrine system.
The Breeding Birds of Kansas | Richard F. Johnston
These captives had been kept for several months at a temperature of 21 degrees Centigrade, and on a daily photoperiod of 15 hours.
Comparative Ecology of Pinyon Mice and Deer Mice in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado | Charles L. Douglas
The mice were kept in a room in which temperature and photoperiod were controlled.
Comparative Ecology of Pinyon Mice and Deer Mice in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado | Charles L. Douglas
In general, Tb's showed a marked circadian cycle in phase with photoperiod.
Metabolic Adaptation to Climate and Distribution of the Raccoon Procyon Lotor and Other Procyonidae | John N. Mugaas

British Dictionary definitions for photoperiod

photoperiod

/ (ˌfəʊtəʊˈpɪərɪəd) /

noun

the period of daylight in every 24 hours, esp in relation to its effects on plants and animals: See also photoperiodism

Derived forms of photoperiod

photoperiodic, adjective
photoperiodically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for photoperiod

photoperiod

[ fō′tō-pîr′ē-əd ]

The duration of an organism's daily exposure to light, considered especially with regard to the phenomena of photoperiodism.

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