'actinoelectricity' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'aktinos,' where 'aktis' meant 'ray' and 'electricity' from the Greek 'ēlektron' meaning 'amber.'

'aktinos' transformed into the English word 'actino,' and eventually combined with 'electricity' to form the modern English word 'actinoelectricity.'

Initially, it meant 'electricity generated by rays,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.