photosensitivity
|pho-to-sen-si-tiv-i-ty|
🇺🇸
/ˌfoʊtoʊˌsɛnsɪˈtɪvɪti/
🇬🇧
/ˌfəʊtəʊˌsɛnsɪˈtɪvɪti/
sensitivity to light
Etymology
'photosensitivity' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'phōs' meaning 'light' and Latin 'sensus' meaning 'feeling' or 'perception'.
'phōs' combined with 'sensus' in scientific terminology to form 'photosensitivity', which became the modern English word 'photosensitivity'.
Initially, it meant 'sensitivity to light', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the condition of being sensitive to light, often resulting in a reaction when exposed to sunlight.
The patient was diagnosed with photosensitivity after experiencing a rash from sun exposure.
Synonyms
Noun 2
in photography, the degree to which a film or sensor is sensitive to light.
The photosensitivity of the film determines how it reacts to different lighting conditions.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/13 19:30