photochromicadj.n.
/ˌfəʊtə(ʊ)ˈkrəʊmɪk/, U.S. /ˌfoʊdəˈkroʊmɪk/, /ˌfoʊdoʊˈkroʊmɪk/ A. adj.
Undergoing a change of colour or shade when illuminated; spec. of, relating to, or exhibiting photochromism.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > colour > change of colour > [adjective] > photochromic
photochromic1881
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > scientific effects of light > [adjective] > of chemical action of light > of change of colour by
photochromatic1856
photochromic1881
phototropic1900
tenebrescent1953
1881 Science 12 Nov. 543/2 One method adopted is to direct a beam through a liquid in a trough..to Poitevin's photochromic paper (which indicates by change of tint, the presence of actinic rays).
1953 Jrnl. Chem. Physics 21 1619/2 In those compounds which exhibit both thermochromism and photochromism the thermochromic and the photochromic colors are in each case spectroscopically identical.
1974 Observer 13 Oct. (Colour Suppl.) 18/4 Photochromic lenses that automatically change the darkness of their tint to match the prevailing brightness.
1990 Angling Times 29 Aug. 16/3 A Special Control filter..combines with the polarising qualities of the Strata lens and photochromic glass which adjusts incoming light for optimum comfort.
B. n.
A photochromic substance.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > colour > change of colour > [noun] > photochromism > substance
photochromic1965
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > scientific effects of light > [noun] > study of chemical action of light > change of colour by specific exposure > substance
photochromic1965
1965 Guardian 13 Apr. 14/5 Sunglasses which are clear in ordinary daylight but which darken progressively in increasing sunlight, were among the practical applications of photochromics described in London yesterday.
1970 Physics Bull. Nov. 487/1 Two other classes of material which have been developed recently as promising photochromics..are the alkaline earth fluorides and titanates.
1985 Proc. National Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 82 1877/1 The light-induced reactions form the basis for a number of photochromics.
2000 Appl. Surface Sci. 168 186 Everyday examples of modification by electronic excitation include photography, and photochromics (such as sunglasses) which change colour.
Derivatives
ˌphotochroˈmicity n. = photochromism n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > colour > change of colour > [noun] > photochromism
photochromism1951
photochromy1951
photochromicity1966
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > scientific effects of light > [noun] > study of chemical action of light > change of colour by specific exposure
phototropy1900
phototropism1921
photochromism1951
photochromy1951
tenebrescence1953
photochromicity1966
1966 Applied Optics 5 946/2 The size of the silver halide microcrystals embedded in the glass matrix determines not only the photochromicity but also the character of the unexposed material (transparent, translucent, and opaque).
1983 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) B. 303 354 Action spectra do not..necessarily reflect the absorption spectrum of the photoreceptor pigment. They may be altered by screening pigments or may be a consequence of photochromicity.
2003 Materials Chem. & Physics 78 380 The gel film exhibited reversible photochromicity. Irradiated with ultraviolet light, the transparent film changes from colorless to blue.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.n.1881