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photoelectric cell

photoelectric cell

4.6
A device that makes a small electric signal when light hits it to detect or measure light
  • noun
  • /ˌfoʊtoʊɪˈlɛktrɪk sɛl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : célula fotoeléctrica
  • And then that gets transmitted to that photoelectric cell... which gives those dynamic impulses to the brushes and the arms... and it's a fusion of the mechanized world and a human soul.

And as they move through the reader station, then photoelectric cells actually would nowadays have read those holes.

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Examples

  • These photoelectric cells also polarize sunlight for assimilation and storage of the excess in the battery pack.

  • On one side of the studio are photoelectric cells that turn light into current.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Then we install a photoelectric cell, which controls the whole thing.

  • And any variation would be picked up on photoelectric cells and sound the alarm.

  • The photoelectric cells pick up the pulses of light.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • And as they move through the reader station, then photoelectric cells actually would nowadays have read those holes.

  • Now, from this point on, the photoelectric cells sound a warning... if unauthorized personnel enter the corridor.

  • The photoelectric cell converts light energy into electrical energy to power various devices.

  • In the solar panel system, the photoelectric cell captures sunlight and generates electricity for the home.

  • Engineers often use a photoelectric cell to measure the intensity of light in scientific experiments.

Synonyms

photocell
vsphotoelectric cell
  • Specialized
2 6.2

A device that senses light and makes an electric signal

is the more formal full term rather than the shorter name
photodiode
vsphotoelectric cell
  • Specialized
1 6.6

A small device that makes electricity when light hits it to show how bright the light is

is described by its role in detection and measurement, not specific current generation
electric eye
vsphotoelectric cell
  • Specialized
1 5.3

A device that uses light to notice when people or objects move

is the basic sensing device, not necessarily tied to control or security tasks
magic eye
vsphotoelectric cell
  • Archaic
1 9.4

A small glowing tube that shows signal strength on old radios

is a measuring transducer converting light to electrical energy, not only an indicator
photodetector
vsphotoelectric cell
  • Specialized
1 7.2

A device that senses light and makes an electric signal

includes a measuring function as well as simple detection
phototransistor
vsphotoelectric cell
  • Specialized
1 7.4

A small device that changes its electric signal when light falls on it

is a general converting device rather than a specific electronic component
photoconductive cell
vsphotoelectric cell
  • Specialized
1 8.1

A small device that lets more electricity pass when light hits it

works by converting radiation into electrical energy rather than only changing resistance
photometer
vsphotoelectric cell
  • Specialized
1 8.6

A tool that measures how bright light is

specifies conversion into electrical energy as part of measurement, not just brightness reading
photoreceptor
vsphotoelectric cell
  • Specialized
6.3

A part in a camera or machine that detects light and makes an electric signal

is used more broadly outside internal instrument contexts
selenium cell
vsphotoelectric cell
  • Archaic
8.1

A small device that turns light into electricity using selenium

is the general device not limited to any single conversion material
photoconductor
vsphotoelectric cell
  • Specialized
7.7

A material or part that can carry electricity when light shines on it

is the measuring device that converts light into electrical energy, not only material change
actinometer
vsphotoelectric cell
  • Specialized
9.9

A tool that measures the strength of light, like sunlight

depends on converting radiation into electrical energy instead of chemical effects

How Sensitive

photomultiplier
  • Specialized
1 9.4
electric eye
  • Specialized
1 5.3
photodiode
  • Specialized
1 6.6
photoelectric cell
  • Specialized
4.6

Surface Forms

Morphology

photoelectric + cell

The noun phrase is compositionally built from 'photoelectric' (relating to light causing electrical effects) + 'cell' (a unit that produces or contains electricity), so a learner who knows both parts can infer a device that converts or responds to light by producing electrical energy. This adjective + noun technical compound follows regular English composition and similar logic exists cross-linguistically, making the meaning predictable to learners familiar with the constituents.

Etymology

Photoelectric cell comes from its parts: photo meaning 'light', electric meaning 'electricity', and cell meaning a small 'device' or unit. Scientists found that light can make a small electric current, so the term now means 'a device that turns light into electricity'.