optics

[ op-tiks ]

/ ˈɒp tɪks /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR optics ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

(used with a singular verb) the branch of physical science that deals with the properties and phenomena of both visible and invisible light and with vision.

(used with a plural verb) the way a situation, action, event, etc., is perceived by the public or by a particular group of people: The optics on this issue are pretty good for the Democrats. Administrators worry about the bad optics of hiring new staff during a budget crisis.

Nearby words

Origin of optics

1605–15; < Medieval Latin optica < Greek optiká, noun use of neuter plural of optikós; see optic, -ics

optic

[ op-tik ]

/ ˈɒp tɪk /

adjective

of or relating to the eye or sight.

optical.

noun

the eye.

a lens of an optical instrument.

Origin of optic

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

Related forms

in·ter·op·tic, adjectivenon·op·tic, adjectivepost·op·tic, adjectivepre·op·tic, adjective

sub·op·tic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for optics

Irritated members of Congress say that the authorization of the train-and-equip mission is merely about optics.
U.S. Hasn’t Even Started Training Rebel Army to Fight ISIS|Tim Mak|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But, having himself campaigned by hitting others for their lack of involvement, Perry obviously understands the optics of crisis.
Rick Perry Avoided Ebola Like the Plague|Olivia Nuzzi|October 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This prompted a lengthy discussion of optics and theatre among the panelists.
Todd Brings Goatee and Game to MTP Debut|Lloyd Grove|September 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In terms of the optics, let us not forget that the United States is facing a new and extremely dangerous enemy in ISIS.
Yes, Obama Was Right to Golf After Foley|Daniel G. Hill|August 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Eli wants to replace her because he is worried Peter will succumb to temptation (“the optics are bad,” he says).
‘The Good Wife’ Is Back With a Terrific Fifth Season Premiere|Chancellor Agard|September 30, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Skilled in optics as he was, the reinvention was a task neither long nor difficult for him.
Astronomy|David Todd
He has a taste for optics also; and knows all about refraction and reflection.
Ariadne Florentina|John Ruskin
The Professor of Astronomy was to teach astronomy, optics, navigation, and cosmography.
Art in England|Dutton Cook
Suffice it that it was long after I had read enough of Optics to have taught any child how such colours came there.
Household Education|Harriet Martineau
Yet more; the difference is as great between The optics seeing, as the object seen.
Essay on Man|Alexander Pope

British Dictionary definitions for optics

optics

/ (ˈɒptɪks) /

noun

(functioning as singular) the branch of science concerned with vision and the generation, nature, propagation, and behaviour of electromagnetic light

optic

/ (ˈɒptɪk) /

adjective

of or relating to the eye or vision

a less common word for optical

noun

an informal word for eye 1

Word Origin for optic

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

Optic

/ (ˈɒptɪk) /

noun

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

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

Word Origin and History for optics

optics

"science of sight and light," 1570s, from optic; also see -ics. Used for Medieval Latin optica (neuter plural), from Greek ta optika "optical matters," neuter plural of optikos "optic."

optic

adj.

early 15c., from Middle French optique, obtique (c.1300) and directly from Medieval Latin opticus "of sight or seeing," from Greek optikos "of or having to do with sight," from optos "seen, visible," from op-, root of opsesthai "be going to see," related to ops "eye," from PIE *okw- "to see" (see eye (n.)).

Medicine definitions for optics

optics

[ ŏp′tĭks ]

n.

The science concerned with the properties of light, its refraction and absorption, and the refracting media of the eye.

optic

[ ŏp′tĭk ]

adj.

Of or relating to the eye or vision.

Of or relating to the science of optics or optical equipment.

Science definitions for optics

optics

[ ŏp′tĭks ]

The scientific study of light and vision. The study of optics led to the development of more general theories of electromagnetic radiation and theories of color.