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

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

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

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

By applying this effect to sequences of light pulses, including single photons, the researchers created a system where signals can effectively reconstruct themselves over time as they travel through optical fiber.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

He had thought they were following a path, but now that he tried to see the path, it shimmered, and vanished, like an optical illusion.

From "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman