photovoltaic

adjective

pho·​to·​vol·​ta·​ic ˌfō-tō-väl-ˈtā-ik How to pronounce photovoltaic (audio)
-vōl-
: of, relating to, or utilizing the generation of a voltage when radiant energy falls on the boundary between dissimilar substances (such as two different semiconductors)
photovoltaic noun

Examples of photovoltaic in a Sentence

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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.
Eco effort There are a few works in progress here, not least a photovoltaic project designed to generate energy through solar panels, as well as another device for water regeneration. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026 These solar-fuel systems feature standard photovoltaic panels that generate electricity. — New Atlas, 21 June 2026 The exciting part of the future is that even higher-power systems can be developed, and photovoltaic solar arrays could one day be replaced with nuclear systems generating orders of magnitude more electricity. — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2026 Just across the road, newer solar facilities sit quietly on the desert floor, using photovoltaic panels to generate electricity more simply and at lower cost — highlighting how quickly the industry has shifted away from Ivanpah’s technology. — Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for photovoltaic

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of photovoltaic was circa 1889

Rhymes for photovoltaic

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Browse Nearby Words

photovoltage
photovoltaic
photovoltaic cell
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on photovoltaic

Nglish: Translation of photovoltaic for Spanish Speakers

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