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photophobia
noun
pho·to·pho·bia
ˌfō-tə-ˈfō-bē-ə
: intolerance to light
especially
: painful sensitiveness to strong light
Examples of photophobia in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis How to Get a Meningitis Diagnosis
Neck stiffness and photophobia are the two telltale signs of meningitis that lead many people to seek a diagnosis.
—Brigid Dwyer, Verywell Health, 2 July 2024
Symptoms usually include: Fever Headache Stiff neck Additional symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, confusion and photophobia (when eyes are more sensitive to light).
—Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2024
Ocular photosensitivity, or photophobia, is associated with a number of conditions, including certain allergies, albinism, and migraine, to name a few, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
—Alexis Berger, SELF, 20 Mar. 2024
So was the photophobia.
—New York Times, 11 Aug. 2021
She was diagnosed with uveitis and sarcoidosis of the eye – which includes blurred vision, photophobia, floaters, redness and pain — in 1999.
—Journal Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2022
Along with photophobia, sound sensitivity is also possible.
—Sarah Lemire, Health.com, 19 Jan. 2022
Symptoms to be aware of include sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia and altered mental status.
—Fox News, 12 Nov. 2019
People with light-colored eyes can be at risk for light sensitivity, called photophobia.
—Lauren Castle, azcentral, 17 May 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'photophobia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
New Latin
First Known Use
1772, in the meaning defined above
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Dictionary Entries Near photophobia
Cite this Entry
“Photophobia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photophobia. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
photophobia
noun
pho·to·pho·bia
ˌfōt-ə-ˈfō-bē-ə
1
: intolerance to light
especially
: painful sensitiveness to strong light
2
: an abnormal fear of light
More from Merriam-Webster on photophobia
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about photophobia
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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