actinic

adjective

ac·​tin·​ic ak-ˈti-nik How to pronounce actinic (audio)
: of, relating to, resulting from, or exhibiting chemical changes produced by radiant energy especially in the visible and ultraviolet parts of the spectrum
actinic light
actinic keratosis
actinically adverb

Examples of actinic in a Sentence

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.
Some were growths called actinic keratoses, which can sometimes turn into cancer. Amy Norton, SELF, 22 July 2024 Lastly, both Dr Walter and Dr Sheraz explain that chronic sun damage to your lips can also lead to something called actinic cheilitis, which presents in the same way as constantly chapped lips. Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 31 Jan. 2024 Tretinoin is an effective treatment for fading actinic keratosis.15 Retin-A increases the skin's sensitivity to UV rays. Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 1 July 2024 Other potential causes include a potential allergy, an irritant exposure or a serious type of sun damage known as actinic damage. The Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2024 What causes actinic keratoses: Dr. Jaliman notes that these arise from years of sun exposure. Daley Quinn, Women's Health, 8 Sep. 2023 The former can become scaly, dry, blister or flake, and lead to precancerous actinic keratosis while the latter can fade in color, dehydrate or become damaged and brittle. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2023 Patients who had certain Neanderthal gene variants were more likely to have scaly, precancerous skin lesions called actinic keratinosis, which is caused by abnormalities in the skin cells that produce the protein found in your nails and hair. K. N. Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2016 After a lip sunburn, precancerous inflammation called actinic cheilitis (AC) can develop. Claire Gillespie, Health, 27 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Greek aktīn-, aktís "ray, beam" + -ic entry 1 — more at actin-

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of actinic was in 1845

Dictionary Entries Near actinic

Cite this Entry

“Actinic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actinic. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

actinic

adjective
ac·​tin·​ic ak-ˈtin-ik How to pronounce actinic (audio)
: of, relating to, resulting from, or exhibiting chemical changes produced by radiant energy especially in the visible and ultraviolet parts of the spectrum
actinic injury and carcinogenesisThe Journal of the American Medical Association
actinic keratosis
actinically adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!