optics
- 01 C1 Advanced
the scientific study of light and how we see things.
the branch of physics which involves the behaviour and properties of light, including its interactions with matter.
Simple“She decided to study optics because she was fascinated by how lasers work.”
In context“The laboratory is equipped with advanced instruments for research into fiber optics and laser technology.”
UsageUncountable in this scientific sense.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the way an action or event looks to the general public, especially in politics.
the way an event or action is perceived by the public; the public relations aspect of a situation.
Simple“The optics of the politician's expensive holiday were bad while the country was in a crisis.”
In context“The company was less concerned with the legal outcome than with the optics of being seen to ignore environmental regulations.”
UsageAlways plural in form but often treated as a singular concept.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the lenses or mirrors in a device like a camera or telescope.
the components of an instrument, such as lenses and prisms, that determine its optical performance.
Simple“The telescope has excellent optics, allowing us to see distant stars clearly.”
In context“High-end cameras are often expensive because of the precision required to manufacture their internal optics.”
“The systems typically rely on precisely aligned optics, including fixed telescopes and mirrors, which limit their ability to move freely and search for unknown leak sources.”
“NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Roman’s camera has such a wide field because its spy telescope origins give it unusually fast optics.”
From Medieval Latin opticus (“optic, optical”), from Ancient Greek ὀπτικός (optikós), equivalent to optic + -ics.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.