op·tics ( p t ks)n. (used with a sing. verb) The branch of physics that deals with light and vision, chiefly the generation, propagation, and detection of electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths greater than x-rays and shorter than microwaves. |
optics [ˈɒptɪks]
n
(Physics / General Physics) (functioning as singular) the branch of science concerned with vision and the generation, nature, propagation, and behaviour of electromagnetic light
| optics (ptks) 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. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  optics - the branch of physics that studies the physical properties of lightmeniscus - (optics) a lens that is concave on one side and convex on the other natural philosophy, physics - the science of matter and energy and their interactions; "his favorite subject was physics" catoptrics - branch of optics dealing with formation of images by mirrors holography - the branch of optics that deals with the use of coherent light from a laser in order to make a hologram that can then be used to create a three-dimensional image stigmatism - (optics) condition of an optical system (as a lens) in which light rays from a single point converge in a single focal point astigmatism, astigmia - (optics) defect in an optical system in which light rays from a single point fail to converge in a single focal point collimate - adjust the line of sight of (an optical instrument) refract - subject to refraction; "refract a light beam" reflect - show an image of; "her sunglasses reflected his image" resolve - make clearly visible; "can this image be resolved?" aberrate - diverge or deviate from the straight path; produce aberration; "The surfaces of the concave lens may be proportioned so as to aberrate exactly equal to the convex lens" |
| 2. | optics - optical properties; "the optics of a telescope" property - a basic or essential attribute shared by all members of a class; "a study of the physical properties of atomic particles" |
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