photocelln.
/ˈfəʊtə(ʊ)sɛl/, U.S. /ˈfoʊdəˌsɛl/ A device which generates an electric current or voltage dependent on the degree of illumination; a photoelectric cell.
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the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > voltage > photovoltaics > [noun] > photocell
photoelectric cell1890
photoscope1890
photocell1891
rectifier cell1906
photronic1932
solar battery1954
cell1955
solar cell1955
1891 London, Edinb., & Dublin Philos. Mag. 5th Ser. 31 232 The effect of this connexion with the Daniell is to develop between the poles of the photo cell a difference of potential opposed in sign to that which light produces.
1913 Physical Rev. 1 74 When..the spark gap was pulled six feet away from the photo~cell the positive potential slowly fell to 1·6 volts.
1938 G. H. Sewell Amateur Film-making ii. 21 The photo-cell meter is recognized as the most accurate light-measuring device normally available.
1958 New Statesman 23 Aug. 214/2 There will be a system of photo-cells, which, sensitive to infra-red and visible rays, will scan the hidden side of the moon, as the rocket-probe spins on its axis.
2001 S. Hardingham London (ed. 5) iv. 36 Lighting..is controlled by a photocell to turn on at dusk and off at dawn.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1891