photocell

UK: /ˈfəʊtəʊˌsɛl/ US: /ˈfoʊtoʊˌsɛl/ ,(fō′tō sel′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

pho•to•cell /ˈfoʊtoʊˌsɛl/   n. [countable]

1. Electronics an electronic device that converts light into electrical energy by producing voltage:
   Photocells are used in automatic control systems for doors.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

pho•to•cell  (fō′tō sel′), n. [Electronics.]

1. Electronics 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. 

• photo- + cell¹ 1890–95

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

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