optical

American  

[op-ti-kuhl] / ˈɒp tɪ kəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or applying optics optics or the principles of optics.

2. constructed to assist sight or to correct defects in vision.

3. of or relating to sight or vision; visual.

4. of or relating to the eye.

5. of or relating to an optician or opticians or to their products, especially eyeglasses.

   an optical service.

6. dealing with or skilled in optics.

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noun

1. opticals. optical effects.

optical British  

/ ˈɒptɪkəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, producing, or involving light

2. of or relating to the eye or to the sense of sight; optic

3. (esp of a lens) aiding vision or correcting a visual disorder

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optical Scientific  

/ ŏp′tĭ-kəl /

1. Relating to vision or the eyes.

2. Relating to optics.

3. Relating to or using visible light.

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Other Word Forms

• nonoptical adjective
• nonoptically adverb
• optically adverb
• suboptical adjective
• suboptically adverb

Etymology

Origin of optical

First recorded in 1560–70; optic + -al ¹

Example Sentences

To solve this, the researchers designed an optical system that precisely shapes and directs each beam.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

By combining compact laser arrays, high-speed transmission, and precise optical control, this approach offers a practical path toward next-generation indoor wireless networks that deliver greater performance without increasing energy consumption.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

The system then uses optical imaging to monitor bacterial growth in each tube.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

Visser said the company also stands to benefit from its “strong position in the interconnect and optical layers that allow AI clusters to scale beyond a single rack.”

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

I think of that optical illusion—an old lady with a crooked nose from one angle, a young one wearing a choker from another.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison