optics

American  

[op-tiks] / ˈɒp tɪks /

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.

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optics British  

/ ˈɒptɪks /

noun

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

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optics Scientific  

/ ŏp′tĭks /

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.

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optics Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of optics

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

Beyond the optics, there is a strategic calculation regarding Taiwan.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company’s optical circuit switches, co-packaged optics solutions and transceivers currently comprise a quarter of its total revenues — but it projects that these three areas will drive 60% of total revenue in two years.

From MarketWatch

“It’s questionable the impact the waiver will have for gas prices, but at least it’s playing well on the optics. If the macro-picture does not improve soon, more will have to be done.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Morgan analyst noted that co-packaged optics adoption expectations might be too high in the near to medium term.

From Barron's

If Beijing offers a trillion-dollar commitment, those skeptics worry, the U.S. might be tempted to trade its regulatory guardrails for the optics of a historic win.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• eyesight
• perception
• view