photovoltaic

adjective

pho·​to·​vol·​ta·​ic ˌfō-tō-väl-ˈtā-ik How to pronounce photovoltaic (audio)
-vōl-
: of, relating to, or utilizing the generation of a voltage when radiant energy falls on the boundary between dissimilar substances (such as two different semiconductors)
photovoltaic noun

Examples of photovoltaic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Notable in this group is Jinko Solar, which was ranked at No. 1044 a year ago but lost its place after net profit plunged 99% to $14 million after bruising competition caused prices of photovoltaic products to plummet. Jane Ho, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 Power is provided by a battery bank which is connected to an array of photovoltaic panels. Ben Coxworth june 06, New Atlas, 6 June 2025 The design includes two key options: A two-bay, seven-bunk fire station on the ground floor to enhance emergency response times, and a rooftop solar photovoltaic array designed to meet all electrical needs for both the garage and fire station, including electric vehicle charging stations. Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2025 However, if implemented, these tariffs could drive significant shifts in the global distribution of photovoltaic panel and component production, adversely affecting the competitiveness of the American solar industry and impacting US ties with South Asian partners. Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for photovoltaic

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of photovoltaic was circa 1889

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Cite this Entry

“Photovoltaic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photovoltaic. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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