pho·to·phobic \| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷|fōbik also -|fäb-\adjective alsopho·to·phobe\ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌfōb\ Etymology:photophobic from New Latin photophobicus, from phot- + -phobicus -phobic; photophobe from phot- + -phobe 1. a.: shunning or avoiding light : exhibiting negative phototropism < the bedbug and other photophobic insects > b.: growing best under reduced illumination 2.: of or relating to photophobia