adaptive optics
noun
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a telescopic system that improves image resolution by compensating for distortions caused by atmospheric turbulence
Examples of adaptive optics in a Sentence
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But clever techniques can work around this limitation, including adaptive optics, which rapidly reshapes a mirror in the telescope to counter the motion of overlying air.
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Phil Plait, Scientific American, 27 Nov. 2025
The aim of the telescopes was to provide continuous coverage of the sky from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, using identical telescopes with adaptive optics and the capability to conduct near-infrared wide-field surveys.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 26 Nov. 2025
The solution’s first step came in the form of adaptive optics.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025
The finding was made using an adaptive optics system called MagAO-X, which dramatically improves the sharpness and resolution of telescope images.
—Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025
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Phil Plait, Scientific American, 27 Nov. 2025
The aim of the telescopes was to provide continuous coverage of the sky from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, using identical telescopes with adaptive optics and the capability to conduct near-infrared wide-field surveys.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 26 Nov. 2025
The solution’s first step came in the form of adaptive optics.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025
The finding was made using an adaptive optics system called MagAO-X, which dramatically improves the sharpness and resolution of telescope images.
—Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adaptive optics
Cite this Entry
“Adaptive optics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptive%20optics. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.
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