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Synonyms

catoptrics

American  
[kuh-top-triks] / kəˈtɒp trɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)
  1. the branch of optics dealing with the formation of images by mirrors.


catoptrics British  
/ kəˈtɒptrɪks /

noun

  1. (functioning as singular) the branch of optics concerned with reflection, esp the formation of images by mirrors

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • catoptric adjective
  • catoptrical adjective
  • catoptrically adverb

Etymology

Origin of catoptrics

1560–70; < Greek katoptrikós, equivalent to kátoptr ( on ) mirror ( kat- cat- ( def. ) + op- see + -tron suffix of instruments) + -ikos -ic; -ics

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Catoptric, kat-op′trik, adj. relating to catoptrics or vision by reflection.—n.pl.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

Quinola Senor knows mechanics, ballistics, mathematics, dioptrics, catoptrics, statistics?

From The Resources of Quinola by Balzac, Honoré de

The science of reflected light, now called catoptrics.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary by Webster, Noah

Concerning other aids; besides what the masters of the catoptrics, phonocamptics, otacoustics, &c., have done, something has been attempted by the Royal Society; and you know the industrious Kircher has much laboured.

From A Letter Book Selected with an Introduction on the History and Art of Letter-Writing by Saintsbury, George