photovoltaic

adjective

pho·​to·​vol·​ta·​ic ˌfō-tō-väl-ˈtā-ik 

-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

With panels that can be deployed, rolled up, and redeployed, organizations from sports arenas to commercial rooftops—even emergency response teams—can harness clean energy without the heavy logistics of traditional photovoltaic installations. —Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

The light is captured and converted to electricity with a photovoltaic cell, which can be tuned to the frequency of the emitted light to improve conversion efficiency. —IEEE Spectrum, 25 Aug. 2025

Beyond that, any temperature increase reduces the photovoltaic cells’ efficiency. —Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025

With the goal of strengthening its commitment to responsible use of natural resources and environmental protection, Vitale Barberis Canonico has completed the expansion of its photovoltaic system and added a second basin for ozone decolorization at its wastewater treatment plant. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 11 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for photovoltaic

• allogeneic
• algebraic
• aramaic
• formulaic
• ptolemaic
• syngeneic
• altaic
• archaic
• deltaic
• hebraic
• mosaic
• oleic