pho·to·phil·ic \|fōd.ō|filik\adjective alsopho·toph·i·lous\(ˈ)fō|täfələs\; orpho·to·phile\ˈfōd.ōˌfīl\ Etymology:photophilic from phot- + -philic; photophilous International Scientific Vocabulary phot- + -philous; photophile from phot- + -phile : thriving in full light : requiring abundant light for complete and normal development : light-loving < photophilic grasses > • pho·toph·i·ly\(ˈ)fō|täfəlē, -li\noun-es