photic

[ foh-tik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to light.
2. pertaining to the generation of light by organisms, or their excitation by means of light.

photic

/ ˈfəʊtɪk /

adjective

1. of or concerned with light
2. biology of or relating to the production of light by organisms
3. Alsophotobathic designating the zone of the sea where photosynthesis takes place

photic

/ fō′tĭk /

1. Of or relating to light.
2. Penetrated by or receiving light.
3. Relating to the layer of a body of water that is penetrated by sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis. The depth of the photic zone is dependent on the clarity of the water and the amount and intensity of direct sunlight, although it does not usually exceed 200 m.
4. Also called euphotic
5. Compare aphotic

Word History and Origins

Origin of photic¹

1835–45; < Greek phōt- ( phot ) + -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of photic¹

C19: from photo- + -ic

Example Sentences

In these cases the photic stimulus produces partly chemical and partly mechanical changes.

From Project Gutenberg

The latent period of photic reaction is shortened with the increasing intensity of light.

From Project Gutenberg

I reproduce below two records of the effects of continuous photic and electric stimulation.

From Project Gutenberg

The tropic curve under geotropic stimulus is similar to that under photic stimulus.

From Project Gutenberg

I shall describe a device which gives a continuous record of photic variation for the whole day.

From Project Gutenberg