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photoreceptive

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //ˌfoʊtəʊrɪˈsɛptɪv//

KK: /ˌfoʊtəʊrɪˈsɛptɪv/

adjective
Definition

Able to absorb and utilize light, particularly for sensing or detecting light.


Example

The photoreceptive cells in the retina help us see in different lighting conditions.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you know that some animals have photoreceptive cells in their eyes?
Sloth B
Really? That sounds fascinating!
Sloth A
Yeah, it helps them see in different lighting conditions.
Sloth B
I guess that's essential for survival in the wild.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
light-sensitive
responsive
reactive
Antonyms
insensitive
unresponsive
blind
Root Explanation

Photoreceptive → It is formed from "photo-" (from Greek "phōs", meaning light) and "receptive" (from Latin "receptivus", meaning able to receive). The word describes the ability to receive or respond to light.

Memory Tip

Think of 'light' ('photo-') and 'able to receive' ('receptive') — this helps you remember that photoreceptive refers to the ability to respond to light.

Visually Confused Words
preceptive
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