optics

[op-tiks]

noun

1. (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.

2. (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.

optics

/ ˈɒptɪks /

noun

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

optics

1. 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.

optics

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of optics¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Medieval Latin optica, from Greek optiká “theory of the laws of light,” noun use of neuter plural of adjective optikós; optic, -ics

Example Sentences

This insight could support advances in optics, spintronics, and emerging quantum technologies.

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The optics are also a prize for the crown prince.

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Others will be told to sell assets to pay for their upkeep - although officials are trying to avoid the PR optics of the controversial Danish policy of taking jewellery off people.

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"In nonlinear optics, light can be reshaped to create new colors, faster pulses or optical switches that turn signals on and off," said Kunyan Zhang, a Rice doctoral alumna and first author of the study.

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Players are going to have to be more adept with their public image and optics.

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Related Words

• eyesight 
• perception 
• view