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

In fact, the taxpayers were held up like stagecoach passengers, and the technology behind Ivanpah, far from being a model of innovation, was quickly overtaken by photovoltaic solar energy. —Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 7 Dec. 2025

Just as an industry bloomed in the United States for installing solar water heaters in homes following the oil embargo, a new industry has popped up in Arizona for installing photovoltaic panels. —Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 7 Dec. 2025

Environmentally conscious ideas likewise manifest in the form of photovoltaic panels, deep overhangs to diminish solar gain, and cool roofs. —Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 19 Nov. 2025

The SWEDs are designed to harvest energy wirelessly using the photovoltaic principle, i.e., converting light into electricity. —Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 12 Nov. 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