optics

[op-tiks] /ˈɒp tɪks/

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.

Origin

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 pertaining to the eye or sight.

optical.

noun

the eye.

a lens of an optical instrument.

Origin

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

Related forms

interoptic, adjective

nonoptic, adjective

postoptic, adjective

preoptic, adjective

suboptic, adjective

Examples from the web for optics

Yet those same bleared optics had a strange, penetrating power, when it was their owner's purpose to read the human soul.
Humans are, after all, increasingly using fibre optics to talk to each other.
Adaptive optics put the observatory at the cutting edge.
The fiber material is used commonly in the manufacture of fiber optics.
The lower gravity means that a bigger structure, with bigger optics, is more viable.
The plan was to head out early and push into the dark, where they could use their night optics to advantage.
He discovered the laws of motion, the laws of gravity, the laws of optics.
optics are rather disappointing, especially the video.
Most lasers from the big defense firms consist of dozens of tiny pieces of bulk optics to generate their blasts.
Trained as a physicist, he spent several years studying fiber optics and how light beams can guide their own path.

British Dictionary definitions for optics

optics

/ˈɒptɪks/

noun

(functioning as sing) 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 eye¹

Word Origin

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

Optic

/ˈɒptɪk/

noun

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

Word Origin and History for 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.)).

optics in Medicine

optic op·tic (ŏp'tĭk) or op·ti·cal (ŏp'tĭ-kəl)
adj.

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

optics op·tics (ŏp'tĭks)
n.
The science concerned with the properties of light, its refraction and absorption, and the refracting media of the eye.

optics in Science

optic

(ŏp'tĭk)
Relating to or involving the eye or vision.

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.

optics in Culture

optics definition

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