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Glite Dictionary
photoactive

photoactive

6.7
A material that changes when light hits it
  • adjective
  • /ˌfoʊtəʊˈæktɪv/
  • Specialized
translation icon : fotoactivo
  • The scientists developed a new photoactive material that changes color when exposed to sunlight.

So in, in general, most of these kinds of photoactive molecules, I've already talked to a chemist.

Examples

  • So in, in general, most of these kinds of photoactive molecules, I've already talked to a chemist.

    MIT OpenCourseWare

  • The huge animals excreted a constant wake of the photoactive algae they used for ballast.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • Photoactive compounds in the paint allow it to glow when ultraviolet light hits it.

  • She discovered that the photoactive layer in her solar cells generates electricity efficiently under bright light.

Synonyms

light-sensitive
vsphotoactive
  • Specialized
3 4.9

Something that changes when light hits it

is triggered by any light rather than only visible wavelengths
photosensitive
vsphotoactive
2 7.2

React strongly to light, often changing color or breaking down

is defined by reacting or changing when exposed to light

How Light-Reactive

photoactive
  • Specialized
6.7

Surface Forms

photoactive positive

Morphology

photoactive = active + act (semi-transparent) = photo + act + ive

The word is built transparently from photo- 'light' and active, but the scientific use is slightly specialized.

Etymology

Photoactive comes from photo- meaning 'light', the same part you find in photograph, and active meaning 'working' or 'reacting'. So a photoactive material is one that reacts or changes when light hits it.