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

/ 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.

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

The team used optics techniques to bend the tube into a circular shape, creating a vortex ring.

From Science News

Milestones in optics and imaging technology have enabled astronomers to observe a great deal of the universe’s history.

From Popular-Science

At the brand’s optics lab in France, designers machine-simulated 20 million possible combinations of wavelength filters.

From Outside Online

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.

From The Daily Beast

He mined the staff of Tessera, an optics business in North Carolina, to build a manufacturing team.

From Fortune

Irritated members of Congress say that the authorization of the train-and-equip mission is merely about optics.

From The Daily Beast

But, having himself campaigned by hitting others for their lack of involvement, Perry obviously understands the optics of crisis.

From The Daily Beast

This prompted a lengthy discussion of optics and theatre among the panelists.

From The Daily Beast

In terms of the optics, let us not forget that the United States is facing a new and extremely dangerous enemy in ISIS.

From The Daily Beast

And despite the urgent optics of the border kids crisis, our D.C. politicos would rather demagogue the issue than deal with it.

From The Daily Beast

Scientists tell us that from the point of view of optics the human eye is a clumsy instrument poorly contrived for its work.

From Project Gutenberg

The Optics were not published till 1704, but had been composed many years previously.

From Project Gutenberg

My two big toes placed simultaneously over both his optics caused a halt so abrupt as almost to unseat me.

From Project Gutenberg

"Peleg, you're a sight for tired optics," said Tom, giving the man's hand a squeeze that made him wince.

From Project Gutenberg

The Professor of Astronomy was to teach astronomy, optics, navigation, and cosmography.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• eyesight
• perception
• view