actinic

[ ak-tin-ik ]

adjective

1. pertaining to actinism.

actinic

/ ækˈtɪnɪk /

adjective

1. (of radiation) producing a photochemical effect

Derived Forms

• acˈtinically, adverb
• ˈactinˌism, noun

Other Words From

• ac·tini·cal·ly adverb
• nonac·tinic adjective
• nonac·tini·cal·ly adverb
• unac·tinic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of actinic¹

First recorded in 1835–45; actin- + -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of actinic¹

C19: from actino- + -ic

Example Sentences

We, for a moment, stood in the brief glare of her almost actinic light, this crazy brightness coming off of her.

From Los Angeles Times

My dermatologist says it can also treat precancerous actinic keratoses that result from too much sun exposure.

From Seattle Times

Half had already developed one or more actinic keratosis, a precancerous rough, scaly skin lesion caused by years of unprotected sun exposure.

From New York Times

Lasers: “There are at least three lasers that are not only approved for resurfacing skin and improving wrinkles but also FDA-cleared for treating precancerous lesions called actinic keratosis,” Cohen says.

From Washington Post

When she and her colleagues visit golf tournaments, they sometimes bring liquid nitrogen, which they use to freeze off precancerous lesions called actinic keratoses.

From Golf Digest

Related Words

• synthetic