photocell: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “photocell” mean?
A device that generates an electrical signal or current when light falls on it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device that generates an electrical signal or current when light falls on it; a light-sensitive cell used for detection or measurement of light.
A component in automatic systems (e.g., doors, alarms, light meters) that triggers an action in response to changes in light intensity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral technical term. May sound slightly dated compared to 'photodetector' or 'sensor' in cutting-edge contexts.
Frequency
Slightly more common in historical or educational contexts describing basic principles. In modern engineering, more specific terms (photodiode, phototransistor, CMOS sensor) are often preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “photocell” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] is controlled by a photocell.A photocell [VERB] the [NOUN].The photocell in the [DEVICE] detects light.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “photocell” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- photocell-operated
- photocell-controlled
American English
- photocell-operated
- photocell-controlled
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific manufacturing or security product descriptions.
Academic
Common in physics, electronics, and engineering textbooks discussing photoelectric effect or basic sensor design.
Everyday
Uncommon. Might be encountered in instructions for garden lights, automatic doors, or older camera equipment.
Technical
Core term in electronics, optics, and automation for a fundamental light-sensing component.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “photocell”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “photocell”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “photocell”
- Confusing it with a solar panel (which is a large array of photocells for power generation).
- Using 'photocell' to refer to the imaging sensor in a digital camera (which is typically a CCD or CMOS chip).
- Misspelling as 'photo cell' (should be one word or hyphenated: 'photo-cell').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A solar panel is made of many photovoltaic cells (a type of photocell) designed to generate usable electrical power. A single photocell is typically a smaller component used for sensing or measurement.
A photocell is a broad term for any light-sensitive cell. A photodiode is a specific type of semiconductor photocell designed for fast, precise detection of light, often used in digital electronics and communication.
In automatic doors at supermarkets, in dusk-to-dawn outdoor lights, in some alarm systems that detect beam interruptions, and in older camera light meters.
Because modern technology uses more specific and advanced components like photodiodes, phototransistors, and CMOS/CCD imaging sensors. 'Photocell' often refers to older, simpler technologies like selenium cells.
A device that generates an electrical signal or current when light falls on it.
Photocell is usually technical/scientific in register.
Photocell: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfəʊ.təʊˌsɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfoʊ.t̬oʊˌsel/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PHOTO (light) + CELL (like a battery cell that generates electricity). Think: a cell that reacts to photos.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN ELECTRONIC EYE; A LIGHT-GATHERING UNIT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a photocell?