photo-, phot-, -photic +
(Greek: light; ultraviolet and infrared radiation; radiant energy)
photaugiophobia
An abnormal, pathological fear of light, especially glaring lights, directed upon one’s eyes which may cause photalgia (pain caused by light shining in the eyes).
photesthesia
Sensitivity to light.
photesthesis
Sensitivity to light.
photic
1. Relating to light, especially when produced by living organisms.
2. In ecology, relating to or used to describe the area of the ocean where light penetrates and photosynthesis occurs.
photism
1. A synesthesia in which a sensation of color or light is associated with a sensation of hearing, taste, smell, or touch.
2. A visual sensation of color evoked by, or associated with, an auditory, olfactory, gustatory, or tactile stimulus.
photo (s), photos (pl)
1. As a noun, an informal term for
photograph.
2. As a verb, to photograph or to take photographs.
A photo is a representation of a person or scene in the form of a print or transparent slide; recorded by a camera on light-sensitive material.
photoactinic
Giving off both luminous and actinic rays.
photoactive
Reacting chemically to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation.
photoaging
Premature aging of the skin due to long-term exposure to ultraviolet irradiation such as in sunlight.
photoagulator
A laser device that projects an intense beam of light into the interior of the eye and generates heat that coagulates vessels; such as, in the treatment of a detached retina.
photoallergen
An agent that elicits an allergic response to light.
photoallergic
Caused by or relating to an allergic sensitivity to light.
photoallergy, photoallergic
A delayed immunologic type of photosensitivity involving a chemical substance to which the individual has become previously sensitized.
photoautotroph, photoautotrophy
1. An organism that derives its energy exclusively from light and uses it to synthesize food.
2. Requiring only inorganic compounds for growth with carbon dioxide as the sole source of carbon (autotrophic) and deriving energy from photosynthesis; said of algae and certain photosynthetic bacteria.
photoautotrophic
Pertaining to an organism that produces its own food using inorganic materials and photosynthesis; such as, most plants.
Etymologically related "light, shine, glow" word families:
ethero-;
fulg-;
luco-;
lumen-, lum-;
luna, luni-;
lustr-;
phengo-;
pheno-;
phospho-;
scinti-, scintill-;
splendo-.
Subscribe to this FREE Focusing on Words Newsletter