photochemistry

American  

[foh-toh-kem-uh-stree] / ˌfoʊ toʊˈkɛm ə stri /

noun

1. the branch of chemistry that deals with the chemical action of light.

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photochemistry British  

/ ˌfəʊtəʊˈkɛmɪstrɪ /

noun

1. Also called: actinochemistry.  the branch of chemistry concerned with the chemical effects of light and other electromagnetic radiations

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photochemistry Scientific  

/ fō′tō-kĕm′ĭ-strē /

1. The scientific study of the effects of light and ultraviolet radiation on chemical reactions.

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Other Word Forms

• photochemist
  noun
• photochemic
  adjective
• photochemical
  adjective
• photochemically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of photochemistry

First recorded in 1865–70; photo- + chemistry

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

photochemistry

"I was just reading about DNA photochemistry – for leisure," she recalls.

From BBC ● May 7, 2026

The free radical generated from photochemistry comes into play here, entering the enzyme active site and engaging the enzymatic intermediate to enable new chemistry.

From Science Daily ● May 30, 2024

The complex photochemistry of these tiny particles has outsized, planetary-scale effects.

From Scientific American ● Oct. 26, 2023

The meticulous development process of these photos comes down to photochemistry, the marriage between light and science.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 6, 2023

Another advantage of the flame-arc in photochemistry is the ease with which the quality or spectral character of the radiant energy may be altered by varying the chemical salts used in the carbons.

From Artificial Light Its Influence upon Civilization by Matthew Luckiesh