1. a specialized cell or sensory receptor in the eye that responds to light and initiates vision
Usage: biology, anatomy
2. any organism or device that detects or responds to light
Usage: general, technical

Examples

• The retina contains millions of photoreceptors that convert light into electrical signals.
• Rods and cones are the two main types of photoreceptors in the human eye.
• Photoreceptors in the eye send information to the brain, which interprets it as vision.
• Some organisms use photoreceptors to detect day and night cycles.
• Damage to photoreceptors can result in vision loss or blindness.
• Scientists study photoreceptors to understand how the eye processes light.