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

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Called photic sneeze reflex, this reaction is somewhat of a mystery. — Rebecca Strong, Health.com, 17 Feb. 2022 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 Most sneezes are triggered by contact with infectious agents or after inhaling irritants, but the cause of photic sneezing is not fully understood. — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025 Using data from 2003 to 2022, the team found nearly 10% of the ocean’s photic zone has been squeezed by 50 m (164 ft). — Jay Kakade june 14, New Atlas, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for photic

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

See All Rhymes for photic

Browse Nearby Words

Photian
photic
photics
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Photic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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