optics
plural noun
op·tics
| \ ˈäp-tiks
\
\
Definition of optics
1
: a science that deals with the genesis and propagation of light, the changes that it undergoes and produces, and other phenomena closely associated with it
But before we deal with telescopes, you need to understand a little about optics—how light is controlled.— Michael Zeilik et al. Everything we know suggests that [eyeglasses] were invented by chance, and by laymen who were not learned in optics.— Daniel J. Boorstin
2
plural in form but singular in construction
: the aspects of an action, policy, or decision (as in politics or business) that relate to public perceptions
… when a broken-down bailout recipient like Citigroup tries to pay its top executives gigantic bonuses or to acquire a new private jet, it has failed to reconsider the optics.— Nick Paumgarten Skilling said Baxter "was concerned about the optics of the conflict, but not about the ethics or propriety of the transactions," according to interview memos.— Peter Behr and April Witt
— see also optic entry 2 sense 2a
Examples of optics in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Then the cable would have to be cut and reconnected in a way that doesn't disrupt the light passing over the fiber optics. — James Griffiths, CNN, "How vulnerable are the undersea cables that power the global internet?," 25 July 2019 Dumas said the new telescope would use special optics to suppress the light of stars. — Audrey Mcavoy, Anchorage Daily News, "Giant Hawaii telescope will dive into the big unknowns of the universe," 19 July 2019 The value of having the Davis divorce in the rearview as the franchise’s new face arrives is massive from a franchise optics perspective. — Jeremy Woo, SI.com, "Pelicans Have Opportunity for Fresh Start After Trading Anthony Davis to Lakers," 15 June 2019 Please transform my optics Transformation optics is one of my favorite things (right after raindrops on roses and definitely replacing all mention of kittens). — Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "Researchers 3D print a wormhole… for sound waves," 6 Dec. 2018 Plus, Barrett is a woman, a mother of seven, in her mid-40s, and a person of faith, all aspects that may appeal to Trump on an optics level, CNN adds. — Megan Friedman, Marie Claire, "Would Amy Coney Barrett Vote Against Roe v. Wade? Trump's SCOTUS Frontrunner Is Resolute," 5 July 2018 But from an optics standpoint, Clune questioned the message being sent to the MSU community. — Gina Kaufman, Detroit Free Press, "Victim advocates fume over Michigan State attorney's new job on campus," 29 June 2018 Finding answers could help women like Sheryl Greene, 50, a fiber optics saleswoman in Roanoke, Va. — Marie Mccullough, Philly.com, "What the latest news on breast cancer, chemo and genomic testing could mean for you," 5 June 2018 And while the Nasdaq Composite was relatively flat, shares of other fiber optics makers also rose. — Lucinda Shen, Fortune, "Saving ZTE Isn't Just About Chinese Jobs. Americans Firms Also Have a Lot to Lose," 14 May 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'optics.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for optics
optics
noun
English Language Learners Definition of optics
: the science that studies light and the way it affects and is affected by other things
optics
noun
op·tics
| \ ˈäp-tiks
\
\
Kids Definition of optics
: a science that deals with the nature and properties of light and the changes that it undergoes and produces
op·tics
| \ ˈäp-tiks
\
\
Medical Definition of optics
1
: a science that deals with the genesis and propagation of light, the changes that it undergoes and produces, and other phenomena closely associated with it
2
: optical properties
Keep scrolling for more