Skip to main content
photostable

photostable

1 7.4
Does not change easily in sunlight
  • adjective
  • /ˌfoʊtoʊˈsteɪbəl/
  • Specialized
: fotostable
  • Is this material photostable enough for outdoor use?

Examples

  • Scientists developed a photostable dye for use in outdoor paints and fabrics.

  • This medication is photostable, so it does not lose effectiveness when stored in sunlight.

  • The sunscreen contains a photostable ingredient that remains effective in sunlight.

  • The new paint is highly photostable.

  • The new sunscreen contains photostable ingredients that protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays.

  • We chose a photostable dye for the fabric to ensure it retains its color when exposed to sunlight.

  • This paint is photostable, meaning it won't fade quickly even when placed in bright light.

Synonyms

lightfast
vsphotostable
  • Specialized
1 6.5

Does not fade or change color in sunlight

protects against chemical or physical breakdown rather than only color fading
sunproof
vsphotostable
1 3.7

Does not fade or get damaged by sunlight

protects against breakdown from all light rather than only sunlight

How Stable

photostable
  • Specialized
1 7.4
light-sensitive
  • Specialized
4 4.9

Surface Forms

photostable positive

Morphology

photostable = stable (semi-transparent) = photo + stable

The meaning is compositionally clear from 'photo' meaning light and 'stable' meaning resistant to change, but the term is somewhat technical.

Etymology

The word photostable joins photo- meaning 'light', as in photograph, and stable meaning 'not changing', so it describes something that does not break down or lose its effect when it is in sunlight.