laser

1 of 2

noun

la·​ser ˈlā-zər How to pronounce laser (audio)
often attributive
1
: a device that utilizes the natural oscillations of atoms or molecules between energy levels for generating a beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation usually in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared regions of the spectrum
also : the beam of coherent radiation itself
The cesium fluoresced. This told them they had the necessary population of excited atoms to produce a laser. Nick Taylor
2
: something resembling a laser beam in accuracy, speed, or intensity
threw a laser into the end zone
a laser stare

laser

2 of 2

verb

lasered; lasering; lasers

transitive verb

: to subject to the action of a laser : treat with a laser

Examples of laser in a Sentence

Noun doctors using a laser to perform delicate eye surgery
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
One strategy, called optical parametric oscillation, involves bouncing beams of laser light within a crystal, resulting in light organizing itself into pulses of coherent, stable waves. IEEE Spectrum, 12 Mar. 2024 In the video, a green laser dot appears on his leg. Chris Eberhart, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2024 Laser can relieve some of the pressure on the spectrum since laser communications do not compete for spectrum–but only some. Jean-François Morizur, Fortune Europe, 8 Mar. 2024 One year later, Winograd and Don Coppersmith introduced a new algorithm that beautifully complemented the laser method. Quanta Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024 About 50,000 square feet of the property will be restored for the facility to house large amounts of steel and laser cutting technology. Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2024 Just hours before its scheduled descent, Odysseus’ laser rangefinders, which are designed to assess the Moon’s terrain to identify a safe landing spot, malfunctioned. Passant Rabie / Gizmodo, Quartz, 26 Feb. 2024 The developers of three laser projectors—digital cinema projectors that use laser light to boost brightness and contrast compared with earlier xenon lamp technology—were recognized, with Michael Mann saying in a video clip that this helps to present a filmmaker’s intent on the screen. Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 24 Feb. 2024 Common treatments for small melanomas include surgery, laser, and radiation therapy. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
Verb
Just ask an ophthalmologist to laser a chemical dye into your cornea or have a silicone iris surgically implanted instead. Katie Camero, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2024 Job seekers, old and young alike, need to laser focus on positions that utilize the skills required, regardless of their age. Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2023 The treatment: If you're bothered by their appearance and long for the days when your skin was smooth and clear, Dr. Gonzalez says dermatologists can lightly burn these doughnut-looking bumps off with electrocautery, laser them off, or freeze them off with cryotherapy. Women's Health, 2 May 2023 But because Roku is not out there premiering a new show or movie every week — or even every month — its marketing team was also able to laser-focus on building anticipation in a way that most other streamers could not. Vulture, 3 Nov. 2022 Some of it has to do with the way lasers work: Their energy is absorbed by pigments in the skin that are sensitive to laser light, which makes treatments targeting brown or red pigments more challenging in people with darker skin. Jolene Edgar, Harper's BAZAAR, 16 Dec. 2022 The study authors decided to laser in on the time period from four million years ago to 400 million years ago. Stav Dimitropoulos, Popular Mechanics, 30 Aug. 2022 Their goal is to destroy the weapon the Soviets are using to laser a hole into the Upside Down to somehow harness the monsters therein for war or whatever. Helena Andrews-Dyer, Washington Post, 27 May 2022 The medspa offers everything from Botox and hydrafacials to laser hair removal and peels. John-John Williams Iv, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'laser.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation

First Known Use

Noun

1957, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1978, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of laser was in 1957

Dictionary Entries Near laser

Cite this Entry

“Laser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laser. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

laser

1 of 2 noun
la·​ser ˈlā-zər How to pronounce laser (audio)
: a device that uses the natural vibrations of atoms or molecules to generate a narrow beam of light having a small frequency range

laser

2 of 2 verb
: to subject to the action of a laser
Etymology

Noun

light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation

Medical Definition

laser

1 of 2 noun
la·​ser
ˈlā-zər
: a device that utilizes the natural oscillations of atoms or molecules between energy levels for generating coherent electromagnetic radiation usually in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared regions of the spectrum

laser

2 of 2 transitive verb
: to subject to the action of a laser : treat with a laser
cutting a corneal flap to remove tissue and then lasering the area under itJenny Manzer
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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