optic

C1 · Advanced Countable noun British English

n. a device attached to a bottle in a bar that measures a standard amount of alcohol.

n. a proprietary device fitted to an inverted bottle in a commercial bar to dispense a precise, regulated volume of spirits.

“The bartender reached for the gin bottle on the optic to pour a single shot.”

“In many British pubs, spirits are dispensed via an optic to ensure compliance with strict weights and measures legislation.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Humorous · Archaic

n. a funny or old-fashioned way to say 'eye'.

n. a jocular or archaic term for the eye.

“He kept a sharp optic on the children while they played near the water.”

“The old sailor fixed his weary optics on the horizon, searching for any sign of the approaching storm.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical

n. a lens or part of a tool like a telescope that works with light.

n. an individual lens, mirror, or prism within a complex optical instrument.

“The technician cleaned the optics of the microscope very carefully.”

“High-end cameras require precision-engineered optics to minimize chromatic aberration and ensure sharpness across the entire frame.”