photovoltaics
Americannoun
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(used with a singular verb) a field of semiconductor technology involving the direct conversion of electromagnetic radiation as sunlight, into electricity.
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(used with a plural verb) devices designed to perform such conversion.
Etymology
Origin of photovoltaics
First recorded in 1975–80; see origin at photovoltaic, -ics
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Some places are still building concentrated solar facilities, among them China, Mexico and Dubai, and it can have some advantages over photovoltaics, he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 11, 2026
The couple filled their hilltop home with many eco-friendly elements, including photovoltaics that span the length of the main structure and produce more power than the property requires.
From MarketWatch ● Dec. 17, 2025
Renewables grow faster than any other major energy source across all scenarios, driven by solar photovoltaics.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 12, 2025
"The pace varies, but renewables grow faster than any other major energy source in all scenarios, led by solar photovoltaics," the agency, which advises mostly developed nations, said in its 518-page report.
From Barron's ● Nov. 12, 2025
Perovskite solar cell production also has the potential for a smaller carbon footprint than silicon photovoltaics, which require high temperatures and a cleanroom environment.
From Science Daily ● May 7, 2024
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
