photocell

[foh-toh-sel] /ˈfoʊ toʊˌsɛl/
noun, Electronics.
1.
a solid-state device that converts light into electrical energy by producing a voltage, as in a photovoltaic cell, or uses light to regulate the flow of current, as in a photoconductive cell: used in automatic control systems for doors, lighting, etc.
Also called electric eye, photoelectric cell.
Origin
1890-95; photo- + cell1
Examples from the web for photocell
  • They turn on when a photocell attached to them reacts to the darkness, and off when the sun comes up.
  • The photocell sits at the bottom of the vertical portion of the chamber.
  • Behind the film was a disc scanner and behind that was a photocell.
  • If the dark character image matched a transparent character image, the amount of light reached the photocell was small.
  • The measuring photocell resistance is established by the amount of light reflected from the sensing tape's surface.
  • Light from the bulb reflects off the smoke particles and is directed towards the photocell.
  • Worker went into a stacker to clean dust off a photocell eye.
  • The photocell shall be shielded to eliminate stray light.
  • Occupancy and photocell sensors will control indirect dimmable fluorescent fixtures and reduce electrical lighting consumption.
  • Install motion sensor or photocell lights on the exterior of your garage if you park in your driveway or on the street.
British Dictionary definitions for photocell

photocell

/ˈfəʊtəʊˌsɛl/
noun
1.
a device in which the photoelectric or photovoltaic effect or photoconductivity is used to produce a current or voltage when exposed to light or other electromagnetic radiation. They are used in exposure meters, burglar alarms, etc Also called photoelectric cell, electric eye
photocell in Science
photocell
  (fō'tō-sěl')   
See photoresistor.