photochromic

adjective

pho·​to·​chro·​mic ˌfō-tə-ˈkrō-mik 

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

ˌfō-tə-ˈkrō-ˌmi-zəm 

noun

Examples of photochromic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Pro Max adds a Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 processor, a 50-MP OIS main camera, a 32-MP selfie camera, and a photochromic Cloud Blush finish. — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026

Customers can choose from a wide variety of frames and lenses, including blue light blocking and photochromic lenses. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

Progressive lenses support both near and distance vision, while photochromic lenses adjust to changing light throughout the day. — Footwear News, 12 June 2026

Factor in the versatile photochromic lenses—transition lenses that adapt to the conditions at hand—and these are a must-have accessory for us on sunset rides. — Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 26 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

phot- + chrom- + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for photochromic

• hypochromic
• proteomic
• chromic
• gnomic
• ohmic
• genomic

Medical Definition

photochromic

1 of 2 adjective

pho·​to·​chro·​mic ˌfōt-ə-ˈkrō-mik 

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

-ˌmiz-əm 

noun

photochromic

2 of 2 noun

: a photochromic substance

—usually used in plural