photovoltaic
|pho/to/vol/ta/ic|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌfoʊtoʊvoʊlˈteɪɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌfəʊtəʊvɒlˈteɪɪk/
light to electricity
Etymology
Etymology Information
'photovoltaic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'phōs' meaning 'light' and 'voltaic' from the name of Alessandro Volta, an Italian physicist.
Historical Evolution
'photovoltaic' was coined in the 19th century to describe the process of converting light into electricity.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'related to the conversion of light into electricity,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to the conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting materials.
The photovoltaic cells on the roof generate electricity from sunlight.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45