optics

American  

[op-tiks] / ˈɒp tɪks /

noun

1. (used with a singular verb)  the branch of physical science that deals with the properties and phenomena of both visible and invisible light and with vision.

2. (used with a plural verb)  the way a situation, action, event, etc., is perceived by the public or by a particular group of people.

   The optics on this issue are pretty good for the Democrats.

   Administrators worry about the bad optics of hiring new staff during a budget crisis.

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optics British  

/ ˈɒptɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the branch of science concerned with vision and the generation, nature, propagation, and behaviour of electromagnetic light

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optics Scientific  

/ ŏp′tĭks /

1. The scientific study of light and vision. The study of optics led to the development of more general theories of electromagnetic radiation and theories of color.

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optics Cultural  

1. The branch of physics dealing with light. (See electromagnetic waves, laser, lens, reflection, and refraction.)

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Etymology

Origin of optics

First recorded in 1570–80; from Medieval Latin optica, from Greek optiká “theory of the laws of light,” noun use of neuter plural of adjective optikós; optic, -ics

Example Sentences

Bottom Line: A technical/defensive carry that works if execution and balance-sheet optics improve; not a pure value or growth standout.

From Barron's

True workplace diversity isn’t about optics—the way somebody looks—but is about diversity of thought.

From The Wall Street Journal

This insight could support advances in optics, spintronics, and emerging quantum technologies.

From Science Daily

The optics are also a prize for the crown prince.

From The Wall Street Journal

Others will be told to sell assets to pay for their upkeep - although officials are trying to avoid the PR optics of the controversial Danish policy of taking jewellery off people.

From BBC

Related Words

• eyesight
• perception
• view