photochemical

adjective

pho·​to·​chem·​i·​cal ˌfō-tō-ˈke-mi-kəl How to pronounce photochemical (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or resulting from the chemical action of radiant energy and especially light
photochemical smog
2
: of or relating to photochemistry
photochemical studies
photochemically
ˌfō-tō-ˈke-mi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce photochemical (audio)
adverb

Examples of photochemical 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.
The camera includes more than a dozen tasteful, but characterful, tones that draw inspiration from photochemical film stocks. — PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025 The museum made a black and white photochemical preservation in 1980. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 29 Jan. 2026 The choice of film over video, of photochemical images over digital ones, imparts a mechanical mood in keeping with the physicality of the work depicted. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 May 2025 Not the good, high-altitude ozone that shields us from dangerous UV light, but bad ozone, hovering right above ground level — stinking, brownish, grayish photochemical smog. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for photochemical

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of photochemical was in 1857

Rhymes for photochemical

See All Rhymes for photochemical

Browse Nearby Words

Photocharger
photochemical
photochemigraphy
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Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

photochemical

adjective
pho·​to·​chem·​i·​cal ˌfōt-ō-ˈkem-i-kəl How to pronounce photochemical (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or resulting from the chemical action of radiant energy and especially light
photochemical smog
2
: of or relating to photochemistry
photochemical studies
photochemically
-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce photochemical (audio)
adverb
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