photosensitive

adjective

pho·​to·​sen·​si·​tive ˌfō-tō-ˈsen(t)-s(ə-)tiv 

1

: sensitive to the action of radiant energy

photosensitive paper

2

: being or caused by an abnormal reaction to sunlight

photosensitive rashes

photosensitivity

ˌfō-tō-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈti-və-tē 

noun

Examples of photosensitive in a Sentence

paper with a photosensitive coating

Recent Examples on the Web

In 1921, while developing photographs for the visionary French fashion designer Paul Poiret, Man Ray accidentally made a photogram, in which objects are placed directly on photosensitive paper that is then exposed to light, creating a negative impression of the assemblage on the substrate. —Ara H. Merjian, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026

Events at Miami Beach Bandshell may contain flashing lights and strobe effects which can affect photosensitive individuals. —James Varsallone, Miami Herald, 1 Dec. 2025

In her past two horror ventures, Kidman starred in The Others as a mother who, along with her two photosensitive children, experiences supernatural occurrences in her New Jersey home in 1945. —Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Nov. 2025

The video prominently features Noé’s signature strobe effects and begins with a warning for photosensitive viewers. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for photosensitive

• hypersensitive
• insensitive
• radiosensitive
• sensitive

Medical Definition

photosensitive

adjective

pho·​to·​sen·​si·​tive ˌfōt-ō-ˈsen(t)-sət-iv, -ˈsen(t)-stiv 

1

: sensitive or sensitized to the action of radiant energy

photosensitive paper

2

: being or caused by an abnormal reaction to sunlight

photosensitive rashes

photosensitivity

-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun

plural photosensitivities