English Explanatory Dictionary

optics

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The physics of light and vision: basic optical science.
  2. Technology that makes use of such physics: applied optical science; business lines making use of such technology.
  3. The light-related aspects of a device.
  4. Perception, image, public relations, especially in politics.
noun
  1. plural of optic

Pronunciation

/ˈɒptɪks/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-optics.wav /ˈɑptɪks/

Word forms

optics opticks

Etymology

From Medieval Latin opticus (“optic, optical”), from Ancient Greek ὀπτικός (optikós), equivalent to optic + -ics.

Synonyms

appearances spectacle theatrics choreography

Derived words

acoustooptics adaptive optics biooptics conformal optics electrooptics fiber optics fiber-optics fibre-optics fibre optics folded optics heteroptics magnetooptics nanooptics neutron optics orthoptics spinoptics
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