photochromic

adjective

pho·​to·​chro·​mic ˌfō-tə-ˈkrō-mik How to pronounce photochromic (audio)
1
: capable of changing color on exposure to radiant energy (such as light)
photochromic glass
2
: of, relating to, or utilizing the change of color shown by a photochromic substance
a photochromic process
photochromism noun

Examples of photochromic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The lenses are crafted from either photochromic crystal or polyamide to enhance UV protection. Max Berlinger, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2024 Using photochromic particles that react to UV light, the molecular structure — and therefore outward appearance — of Magic Ink can be altered by specific light wavelengths. Leah Dolan, CNN, 5 Feb. 2024 Meanwhile, the Lotus badge—once an emblem of stick-and-rudder obsolescence—now adorns one of the most outrageous, head-spinning, overqualified automobiles ever assembled, from its 10-setting photochromic roof to its Pirelli moon boots. Dan Neil, WSJ, 14 Dec. 2023 What to Consider Neither of the lenses are polarized or photochromic. Douglas Schnitzspahn, Travel + Leisure, 13 Dec. 2023 Credit: Courtesy Anrealage Elsewhere, Kunihiko Morinaga created his collection for 's Anrealage using a photochromic material that changes color when exposed to UV rays. Samantha Tse, CNN, 10 Mar. 2023 Lenses should be polarized or photochromic. Eric Alt, Popular Science, 20 Jan. 2021 In addition, the helmet comes with a removable photochromic visor. Maverick Li, Men's Health, 20 Mar. 2023 Its latest, ultra-engineered offering is a proprietary photochromic lens with the widest tint range on the market: 0-4. Brigid Mander, WSJ, 22 Nov. 2022

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

phot- + chrom- + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of photochromic was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near photochromic

Cite this Entry

“Photochromic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photochromic. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

photochromic

1 of 2 adjective
pho·​to·​chro·​mic ˌfōt-ə-ˈkrō-mik How to pronounce photochromic (audio)
1
: capable of changing color on exposure to radiant energy (as light)
eyeglasses with photochromic lenses
2
: of, relating to, or utilizing the change of color shown by a photochromic substance
a photochromic process
photochromism noun

photochromic

2 of 2 noun
: a photochromic substance
usually used in plural
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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