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

Electrical engineers at Duke University have created the fastest pyroelectric photodetector ever demonstrated, a device that detects light by sensing the tiny amount of heat it produces when absorbed.

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

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

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

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2026

Ha�y in 1791, the crystals are markedly pyroelectric; a cube when heated becomes positively electrified on four of its corners and negatively on the four opposite corners.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 2 "Bohemia" to "Borgia, Francis" by Various