Photosensitive is spelled with the phonetic transcription /ˌfoʊtoʊˈsɛnsətɪv/. The word is a combination of two parts: "photo" meaning "light" and "sensitive" meaning "responsive to." The "ph" in "photo" is pronounced as "f," while "sensitive" is pronounced as it is spelled. Therefore, the spelling of "photosensitive" accurately reflects its pronunciation. Photosensitive refers to the ability of a material or organism to react to light, which is an important property in various scientific fields, such as photobiology and photography.
Photosensitive is an adjective that describes an organism or substance's sensitivity or reaction to light. It refers to the ability of a living organism or a material to react, change, or be affected by light, particularly in terms of a photosensitive substance undergoing a chemical or physical change upon exposure to light.
In the context of living organisms, photosensitivity often refers to an abnormal sensitivity or overreactivity of the skin or eyes to sunlight or other sources of light. This condition can manifest as rashes, blistering, redness, or pain upon exposure to light. Various medical conditions, such as certain forms of dermatitis or retinopathy, can result in photosensitivity.
Photosensitive substances, on the other hand, refer to substances that can react, transform, or undergo a chemical change in the presence of light. They can be found in industries like photography and technology where materials like photographic film, photoresist, or certain dyes are designed to respond to light and capture or alter its properties.
In summary, photosensitive signifies the responsiveness or reactivity to light, whether it relates to the sensitivity of an organism's skin or eyes to light or the ability of materials to undergo changes when exposed to light.
The word "photosensitive" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "photo" (φῶς), meaning "light", and "sensitive" (σενσιτίβ), meaning "having perception, working sensation". So, "photosensitive" essentially means "sensitive to light".