Dictionary.com

Popular Searches

 Thesaurus.com
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.

The science of reflected light, now called catoptrics.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.