photic

adjective

pho·​tic ˈfō-tik How to pronounce photic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or involving light especially in relation to organisms
2
: penetrated by light especially of the sun
the photic zone of the ocean
photically
ˈfō-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce photic (audio)
adverb

Examples of photic in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, solar, or photic, retinopathy occurs when intense light energy injures or damages the retina (the inner lining of the back part of the eye). — Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 10 Apr. 2024 And that’s because of the sheer scale of the water column, the vast expanse extending from the bottom edge of the photic zone to the seafloor. — Jeffrey Marlow, Discover Magazine, 18 July 2016

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of photic was in 1843

Rhymes for photic

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photic
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“Photic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photic. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

photic

adjective
pho·​tic ˈfōt-ik How to pronounce photic (audio)
: of, relating to, or involving light especially in relation to organisms
photic stimulation
photically
ˈfōt-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce photic (audio)
adverb
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