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

Those optics are not positive for mainstream crypto adoption and could mark a new policy risk.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The optics of a work stoppage are not good for anyone, Pereira said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Chip demand is not only growing for the accelerators of artificial intelligence but also for the broader ecosystem, including CPUs, networking chips and co-packaged optics, they note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

"Given the optics, many investors can not see an early end to the conflict and markets remain anxious."

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Galileo contributed to physics and astronomy, while teaching fortification and optics.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

• eyesight
• perception
• view