photoelectric cell: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “photoelectric cell” mean?
A device that converts light energy into electrical energy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device that converts light energy into electrical energy.
A sensor or detector that generates an electric current or changes its electrical properties when exposed to light, used in various applications from light meters to automatic doors.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both use 'photoelectric cell' or 'photocell'. Spelling follows regional conventions for other words in the sentence.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard in technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “photoelectric cell” in a Sentence
The [noun] uses a photoelectric cell to [verb]A photoelectric cell [verbs] when [condition]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “photoelectric cell” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The photoelectric-cell mechanism is quite sensitive.
- We need a photoelectric-cell response time under one second.
American English
- The photoelectric cell mechanism is quite sensitive.
- We need a photoelectric cell response time under one second.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in manufacturing or tech companies discussing product components.
Academic
Common in physics, engineering, and electronics textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Very rare; might be encountered in instructions for certain gadgets or in DIY contexts.
Technical
Standard term in electronics, optics, and instrumentation design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “photoelectric cell”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “photoelectric cell”
- Using 'solar panel' interchangeably (a solar panel is an array of photovoltaic cells for power generation, while a photoelectric cell is often a single sensor for detection).
- Misspelling as 'photo-electric cell' (hyphen is optional but less common in modern technical writing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A solar panel is typically a large array of photovoltaic cells designed to generate usable electrical power. A photoelectric cell is often a single, smaller device used primarily as a sensor or detector to trigger an action based on light levels.
In automatic doors (to sense presence), night lights or street lights (to turn on at dusk), some alarm systems (to detect beam interruption), and light meters in cameras (to measure exposure).
Both are types of photoelectric cells. A photovoltaic cell generates a voltage when exposed to light (like in solar panels). A photoemissive cell emits electrons when hit by light, which is used in older light-sensing technologies like phototubes.
In most technical contexts, yes, 'photocell' is a perfectly acceptable and common abbreviation. In very formal or pedagogical writing, the full term might be used for clarity on first mention.
A device that converts light energy into electrical energy.
Photoelectric cell is usually technical/scientific in register.
Photoelectric cell: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfəʊ.təʊ.ɪˌlek.trɪk ˈsel/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfoʊ.t̬oʊ.ɪˌlek.trɪk ˈsel/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think PHOTO (light) + ELECTRIC (power) + CELL (unit). A 'cell' that turns light photos into electric power.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIGHT IS A SWITCH (The presence or absence of light triggers an electrical change, like flipping a switch).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a photoelectric cell?