actinic

adjective

ac·​tin·​ic ak-ˈti-nik How to pronounce actinic (audio)
: of, relating to, resulting from, or exhibiting chemical changes produced by radiant energy especially in the visible and ultraviolet parts of the spectrum
actinic light
actinic keratosis
actinically adverb

Examples of actinic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Other potential causes include a potential allergy, an irritant exposure or a serious type of sun damage known as actinic damage. The Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2024 What causes actinic keratoses: Dr. Jaliman notes that these arise from years of sun exposure. Daley Quinn, Women's Health, 8 Sep. 2023 The former can become scaly, dry, blister or flake, and lead to precancerous actinic keratosis while the latter can fade in color, dehydrate or become damaged and brittle. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2023 Patients who had certain Neanderthal gene variants were more likely to have scaly, precancerous skin lesions called actinic keratinosis, which is caused by abnormalities in the skin cells that produce the protein found in your nails and hair. K. N. Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2016 After a lip sunburn, precancerous inflammation called actinic cheilitis (AC) can develop. Claire Gillespie, Health, 27 Feb. 2023 At issue is a product called Levulan Kerastick, an ointment for treating actinic keratoses that is used in conjunction with an illuminated blue light. Ed Silverman, STAT, 24 Aug. 2020 Photodynamic therapy is one of several effective treatments for actinic keratoses. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 10 Feb. 2023 Researchers also found that NSAID treatment seemed to be of most benefit for patients who had a history of pre-cancerous growths known as actinic keratoses, or who had a history of skin cancer itself. Ben Thomas, Discover Magazine, 18 Dec. 2014

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'actinic.' 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

Greek aktīn-, aktís "ray, beam" + -ic entry 1 — more at actin-

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of actinic was in 1845

Dictionary Entries Near actinic

Cite this Entry

“Actinic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actinic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

actinic

adjective
ac·​tin·​ic ak-ˈtin-ik How to pronounce actinic (audio)
: of, relating to, resulting from, or exhibiting chemical changes produced by radiant energy especially in the visible and ultraviolet parts of the spectrum
actinic injury and carcinogenesisJournal of the American Medical Association
actinic keratosis
actinically adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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