photodynamic

adjective

pho·​to·​dy·​nam·​ic ˌfō-tō-(ˌ)dī-ˈna-mik How to pronounce photodynamic (audio)
: of, relating to, or having the property of intensifying or inducing a toxic reaction to light (as in the destruction of cancer cells stained with a light-sensitive dye) in a living system
photodynamically
ˌfō-tō-(ˌ)dī-ˈna-mi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce photodynamic (audio)
adverb

Examples of photodynamic 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.
Photodynamic Therapy Another option for wet AMD is photodynamic therapy, which ophthalmologists often use alongside anti-VEGF injections. — Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025 Another option is photodynamic therapy or lasers to remove dysplasia.7 Surgeries Surgery may be performed in cases where cancer is likely present or there is a high risk of cancer developing. — Mark Gurarie, Health, 7 Mar. 2025 This can often be treated with cryotherapy (extreme cold air treatment), a topical chemotherapeutic agent (a drug that works to slow down or stop cancer cell growth), or photodynamic therapy (a light treatment used to destroy abnormal cells). — Isadora Baum, Allure, 19 Nov. 2024 It’s also used in photodynamic therapy, which utilizes low-power red laser light to drive a cell-destroying chemical reaction that can treat conditions like skin and other types of cancer, psoriasis, acne, and warts, according to the Cleveland Clinic. — Erica Sweeney, TIME, 8 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for photodynamic

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of photodynamic was in 1882

Rhymes for photodynamic

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Browse Nearby Words

photoduplication
photodynamic
photoeffect
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Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

photodynamic

adjective
pho·​to·​dy·​nam·​ic -dī-ˈnam-ik How to pronounce photodynamic (audio)
: of, relating to, or having the property of intensifying or inducing a toxic reaction to light (as the destruction of cancer cells stained with a light-sensitive dye) in a living system
photodynamic action
photodynamic therapy
photodynamically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce photodynamic (audio)
adverb
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