optics
(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.
Origin of optics
1Words Nearby optics
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use optics in a sentence
The team used optics techniques to bend the tube into a circular shape, creating a vortex ring.
Milestones in optics and imaging technology have enabled astronomers to observe a great deal of the universe’s history.
The James Webb telescope will soon be hunting for ‘first light’ | Paola Rosa-Aquino | December 20, 2021 | Popular-ScienceAt the brand’s optics lab in France, designers machine-simulated 20 million possible combinations of wavelength filters.
This may be more of an optics issue, restoring confidence with the American people, and in my state, we actually do believe there was tremendous fraud.
Jake Tapper Grills Texas Lawmaker on State’s Strict Voter Restriction Bill | Justin Baragona | May 30, 2021 | The Daily BeastHe mined the staff of Tessera, an optics business in North Carolina, to build a manufacturing team.
Magic Leap tried to create an alternate reality. Its founder was already in one | Verne Kopytoff | September 26, 2020 | Fortune
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 | THE DAILY BEASTBut, having himself campaigned by hitting others for their lack of involvement, Perry obviously understands the optics of crisis.
This prompted a lengthy discussion of optics and theatre among the panelists.
In terms of the optics, let us not forget that the United States is facing a new and extremely dangerous enemy in ISIS.
And despite the urgent optics of the border kids crisis, our D.C. politicos would rather demagogue the issue than deal with it.
Scientists tell us that from the point of view of optics the human eye is a clumsy instrument poorly contrived for its work.
The Unsolved Riddle of Social Justice | Stephen LeacockThe optics were not published till 1704, but had been composed many years previously.
My two big toes placed simultaneously over both his optics caused a halt so abrupt as almost to unseat me.
The Adventures of Louis de Rougemont | Louis de Rougemont"Peleg, you're a sight for tired optics," said Tom, giving the man's hand a squeeze that made him wince.
The Rover Boys on the Farm | Arthur M. Winfield (AKA Edward Stratemeyer)The Professor of Astronomy was to teach astronomy, optics, navigation, and cosmography.
Art in England | Dutton Cook
British Dictionary definitions for optics
/ (ˈɒptɪks) /
(functioning as singular) the branch of science concerned with vision and the generation, nature, propagation, and behaviour of electromagnetic light
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
Scientific definitions for 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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for 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.
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