photosensitize

verb

pho·​to·​sen·​si·​tize ˌfō-tō-ˈsen(t)-sə-ˌtīz How to pronounce photosensitize (audio)
photosensitized; photosensitizing; photosensitizes

transitive verb

: to sensitize to the influence of radiant energy and especially light
photosensitizer noun

Examples of photosensitize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Its sap contains toxic chemicals known as photosensitizing furanocoumarins. Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 18 June 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'photosensitize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of photosensitize was circa 1923

Dictionary Entries Near photosensitize

Cite this Entry

“Photosensitize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photosensitize. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

photosensitize

transitive verb
pho·​to·​sen·​si·​tize -ˈsen(t)-sə-ˌtīz How to pronounce photosensitize (audio)
variants also British photosensitise
photosensitized also British photosensitised; photosensitizing also British photosensitising
: to make sensitive to the influence of radiant energy and especially light
photosensitizer noun
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