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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On the energy front, the vertical denim manufacturer reports that 30 percent of Apparel Park’s power comes from renewable sources, including biomass and photovoltaic energy, the process of converting sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials. Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 19 June 2025 This beam strikes a parabolic mirror that scatters the light and shines it on an array of dozens of photovoltaic calls. New Atlas, 15 June 2025 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 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 4 Jul. 2025.

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