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REFERENCE

optic

adj. · n.
US //ˈɑptɪk// UK //ˈɒptɪk// op·tic
  1. 1 relating to the eye (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Medicine

    relating to the eye or the sense of sight.

    relating to the eye or the physiological process of vision.

    Example

    The doctor examined the optic nerve to check for any signs of damage.

    Example

    The optic nerve serves as the primary conduit for visual information, transmitting electrical impulses from the retina directly to the brain's visual cortex.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it modifies.
  2. 2 a drink dispenser (n.)
    C1 Advanced British English

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very specific British term; American speakers would likely refer to this simply as a 'pourer' or 'dispenser'.
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  1. 3 an eye (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Humorous Archaic

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

    a jocular or archaic term for the eye.

    Example

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

    Example

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

    Teacher's tip

    Only use this in a very playful or literary context; it sounds very strange in modern everyday conversation.
  2. 4 optical part (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

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

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

    Example

    The technician cleaned the optics of the microscope very carefully.

    Example

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

Borrowed from Middle French optique or Medieval Latin opticus, from Ancient Greek ὀπτῐκός (optĭkós, “of or for sight”), from ὀπτός (optós, “visible”) + -ῐκός (-ĭkós, “-ic”, adjectival suffix).

Word family

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