pyroelectric

American  

[pahy-roh-i-lek-trik] / ˌpaɪ roʊ ɪˈlɛk trɪk /

adjective

1. pertaining to, subject to, or manifesting pyroelectricity.

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noun

1. a substance manifesting pyroelectricity.

pyroelectric British  

/ ˌpaɪrəʊɪˈlɛktrɪk /

adjective

1. of, concerned with, or exhibiting pyroelectricity

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noun

1. a pyroelectric substance

Etymology

Origin of pyroelectric

First recorded in 1850–55; back formation from pyroelectricity

Example Sentences

"These results are really exciting, but we're still working to make them even faster while figuring out the kinetic limit of pyroelectric photodetectors."

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2026

To detect light outside that range, researchers often turn to pyroelectric detectors.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2026

The researchers believe the device could become even faster by placing the pyroelectric material and electronic readout components in the narrow gap between the nanocubes and the gold layer.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2026

Because this light trapping is extremely efficient, only a very thin layer of pyroelectric material is needed underneath the structure to generate an electrical signal.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2026

On account of its pyroelectric properties, it was called electric calamine by J. Smithson in 1803.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 3 "Helmont, Jean" to "Hernosand" by Various