photosensitivity

American  

[foh-tuh-sen-si-tiv-i-tee] / ˌfoʊ təˌsɛn sɪˈtɪv ɪ ti /

noun

1. the quality of being photosensitive.

2. abnormal sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet light, usually following exposure to certain oral or topical drugs or to other sensitizing chemicals and resulting in accelerated burning and blistering of the skin.

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photosensitivity Scientific  

/ fō′tō-sĕn′sĭ-tĭv′ĭ-tē /

1. Sensitivity or responsiveness to light.

2. An abnormally heightened response, especially of the skin or eyes, to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation, caused by certain disorders, medications, or chemicals.

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Etymology

Origin of photosensitivity

First recorded in 1915–20; photo- + sensitivity

Example Sentences

Researchers program strands of DNA to "direct" the self-assembly process towards molecular arrangements that give rise to beneficial properties, such as electrical conductivity, photosensitivity, and magnetism.

From Science Daily • Jan. 24, 2024

Amlodipine, an antihypertensive drug, was known to cause this kind of photosensitivity, but the patient had started this medicine recently, months after he first mentioned the rash.

From New York Times • Jul. 6, 2023

The photosensitivity side effect didn’t bother me for a while, but I eventually reached a point where light felt too bright to my eyes, and I had to stop taking the herb.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 29, 2021

There are also some scenes with lots of flashing lights, which could be difficult for those with photosensitivity.

From Washington Post • Dec. 18, 2019

Several months later, wearing protective clothing and a face mask fashioned at home from red satin, she took the train to London and visited a dermatologist, who referred her to a specialist in photosensitivity.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 19, 2016