optical

[ op-ti-kuhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or applying optics optics or the principles of optics.
2. constructed to assist sight or to correct defects in vision.
3. of or relating to sight or vision; visual.
4. of or relating to the eye.
5. of or relating to an optician or opticians or to their products, especially eyeglasses:

   an optical service.

6. dealing with or skilled in optics.

noun

1. opticals. optical effects.

optical

/ ˈɒptɪkəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, producing, or involving light
2. of or relating to the eye or to the sense of sight; optic
3. (esp of a lens) aiding vision or correcting a visual disorder

optical

/ ŏp′tĭ-kəl /

1. Relating to vision or the eyes.
2. Relating to optics.
3. Relating to or using visible light.

Derived Forms

• ˈoptically, adverb

Other Words From

• opti·cal·ly adverb
• non·opti·cal adjective
• non·opti·cal·ly adverb
• sub·opti·cal adjective
• sub·opti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of optical¹

First recorded in 1560–70; optic + -al ¹

Example Sentences

"This document is little more than an optical illusion. This, in our opinion, will not address the enormity of the challenge we all face."

From BBC

Normal optical microscopes are limited by the wavelength of light and details below around 500 nanometres cannot be resolved.

From Science Daily

The lenses and optical technology sold by Beck Optronics are specifically listed as goods that either cannot be legally exported to Russia, or that need permission from UK authorities before any sale can take place.

From BBC

This computationally intensive method improves the contrast and resolution of digital images captured in optical microscopes like widefield, confocal or transmission microscopes.

From Science Daily

The researchers plan to develop the system further with the goal of creating a versatile platform for real-time pollutant monitoring and earth-space optical communications.

From Science Daily