OPTICS Definition & Meaning

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optics

[ op-tiks ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

(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.
(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.

optics

/ ˈɒ��ɪ�� /

noun

functioning as singular the branch of science concerned with vision and the generation, nature, propagation, and behaviour of electromagnetic light

optics

/ ŏ��′��ĭ�� /

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.

optics

The branch of physics dealing with light . ( See electromagnetic waves , laser , lens , reflection , and refraction .)

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of optics¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Medieval Latin optica, from Greek �Ǳ�پ��á “theory of the laws of light,” noun use of neuter plural of adjective �Ǳ�پ��ó��; optic, -ics

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

A silent protest had been planned too, which would have seen locals turn their back on the American visitors - a potentially publicly awkward situation and poor optics for Mrs Vance.

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They are both serious men, more interested at this point in outcomes than optics.

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“It provides good optics for the Trump administration,” she added.

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But there is concern the optics of rich celebrities dolled up with smiles on a red carpet could come off as tone deaf.

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Mason said those considerations outweighed his concerns about “the optics” of essentially throwing a party at a moment when thousands of Angelenos have seen their homes or business destroyed.

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