photosensitive

adjective

pho·​to·​sen·​si·​tive ˌfō-tō-ˈsen(t)-s(ə-)tiv How to pronounce photosensitive (audio)
1
: sensitive to the action of radiant energy
photosensitive paper
2
: being or caused by an abnormal reaction to sunlight
photosensitive rashes
photosensitivity
ˌfō-tō-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈti-və-tē How to pronounce photosensitive (audio)
noun

Examples of photosensitive in a Sentence

paper with a photosensitive coating
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It is coated with an ultrathin film of glass or metal, glazed with photosensitive chemicals, and then passed through a lithography machine. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 Some woods are very photosensitive, like cherry and walnut, but cherry darkens with sun exposure while walnut fades. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2026 However, some people with the condition have photosensitive psoriasis, in which any UV exposure will significantly worsen the disease. — Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2026 Instead of projecting light onto a flat surface, the new method directs laser energy into a three-dimensional volume inside a photosensitive material called SU-8. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for photosensitive

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of photosensitive was in 1886

Rhymes for photosensitive

See All Rhymes for photosensitive

Browse Nearby Words

photosculpture
photosensitive
photosensitization
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Photosensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photosensitive. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

photosensitive

adjective
pho·​to·​sen·​si·​tive ˌfōt-ō-ˈsen(t)-sət-iv, -ˈsen(t)-stiv How to pronounce photosensitive (audio)
1
: sensitive or sensitized to the action of radiant energy
photosensitive paper
2
: being or caused by an abnormal reaction to sunlight
photosensitive rashes
photosensitivity
-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē How to pronounce photosensitive (audio)
noun
plural photosensitivities
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