photosensitive

adjective

pho·​to·​sen·​si·​tive ˌfō-tō-ˈsen(t)-s(ə-)tiv 

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 

noun

Examples of photosensitive in a Sentence

paper with a photosensitive coating

Recent Examples on the Web

Pros: Alcohol-free, affordable, can help with body acne and blemishes Cons: Some reviewers experienced redness after using this product, may make skin more photosensitive Size: 8 oz. —Dana Leigh Smith, Glamour, 23 Jan. 2025

Grace’s young children are photosensitive, which means the curtains must always be drawn and candlelight is the only source of illumination. —Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2025

Their technology uses photosensitive dyes dispersed in a polymer matrix to create a reflective or fluorescent optical media. —Thomas Coughlin, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

This photosensitive material has a strong optical absorption at 405nm, the wavelength used for conventional Blu-ray discs. —Thomas Coughlin, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

photosensitive

adjective

pho·​to·​sen·​si·​tive ˌfōt-ō-ˈsen(t)-sət-iv, -ˈsen(t)-stiv 

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 

noun

plural photosensitivities