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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

Etymology

Origin of catoptrics

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

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

From The Resources of Quinola by Balzac, Honoré de

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

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

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