definitions
  • synonyms

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.

RELATED WORDS

eyesight, perception, view, glass, seeing, sight, faculty, eyes, spectacles, contact, optic, monocle, meniscus, ocular, blinder, lamp, headlight, oculus, peeper, eyeball

Nearby words

opticist, optico-, opticociliary, opticokinetic nystagmus, opticopupillary, optics, optimal, optime, optimism, optimist, optimistic

Origin of optics

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

Definition for optics (2 of 2)

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

Examples from the Web for optics

British Dictionary definitions for optics (1 of 3)

optics

/ (ˈɒptɪks) /

noun

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

British Dictionary definitions for optics (2 of 3)

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

British Dictionary definitions for optics (3 of 3)

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

Medicine definitions for optics (1 of 2)

optics

[ ŏp′tĭks ]

n.

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

Medicine definitions for optics (2 of 2)

optic

[ ŏp′tĭk ]

adj.

Of or relating to the eye or vision.
Of or relating to the science of optics or optical equipment.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for optics (1 of 2)

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.

Science definitions for optics (2 of 2)

optic

[ ŏp′tĭk ]

Relating to or involving the eye or vision.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Culture definitions for optics

optics

The branch of physics dealing with light. (See electromagnetic waves, laser, lens, reflection, and refraction.)

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.