Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for photovoltaic. Search instead for photovolto.

photovoltaic

American  
[foh-toh-vol-tey-ik, -vohl-] / ˌfoʊ toʊ vɒlˈteɪ ɪk, -voʊl- /

adjective

Electricity.
  1. of or relating to the photovoltaic effect.


photovoltaic British  
/ ˌfəʊtəʊvɒlˈteɪɪk /

adjective

  1. of, concerned with, or producing electric current or voltage caused by electromagnetic radiation, esp visible light from the sun

"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

photovoltaic Scientific  
/ fō′tō-vŏl-tāĭk,-vōl- /
  1. Capable of producing a voltage, usually through photoemission, when exposed to radiant energy, especially light.

  2. See more at photoelectric solar cell


Etymology

Origin of photovoltaic

First recorded in 1920–25; photo- + voltaic

Vocabulary lists containing photovoltaic

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.

See Examples For:

Oxford PV has developed a technology enabling photovoltaic panels to harness more of the sun’s energy, finding success in the world’s biggest markets.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 14, 2026

First Solar describes itself as the largest U.S.-based photovoltaic solar technology and manufacturing company among the world’s largest solar manufacturers.

From Barron's Feb. 24, 2026

Others said solar photovoltaic and battery storage are the best, most cost-effective way to secure California’s energy future.

From Los Angeles Times Jan. 11, 2026

The new procedure involves inserting a tiny 2mm-square photovoltaic microchip, with the thickness of a human hair, under the retina.

From BBC Oct. 20, 2025

“These grass blades are our photovoltaic panels,” he says.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training