optic

[op-tik]

adjective

1. of or relating to the eye or sight.

2. optical.

noun

1. the eye.

2. a lens of an optical instrument.

optic

¹

/ ˈɒptɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the eye or vision

2. a less common word for optical

noun

1. an informal word for eye 1

Optic

²

/ ˈɒptɪk /

noun

1. a device attached to an inverted bottle for dispensing measured quantities of liquid, such as whisky, gin, etc

optic

1. Relating to or involving the eye or vision.

Other Word Forms

• interoptic adjective
• nonoptic adjective
• postoptic adjective
• preoptic adjective
• suboptic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of optic¹

1535–45; < Medieval Latin opticus < Greek optikós, equivalent to opt ( ós ) seen (verbid of ópsesthai to see) + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of optic¹

C16: from Medieval Latin opticus, from Greek optikos, from optos visible, seen; related to ōps eye

Example Sentences

She’s trying to be gentle and is clearly concerned about the optics, but it makes it harder for you to understand what actually is happening.

From Los Angeles Times

But while doing their usual bit of shaping opinions under the guise of “optics,” most are avoiding a painful truth: Harris is right.

From Salon

Even if the pact poses no immediate security threat to India, experts say it has not been good optics for Delhi diplomatically.

From BBC

Jason Dempsey, a former Army officer now at the Center for a New American Security, told the Post that the optics of a politically-driven mission could damage recruitment.

From Salon

The optics were all about demonstrating that Russia has powerful friends, such as China, India and North Korea.

From BBC