laser

¹la·ser

noun, often attributive \ˈlā-zər\

Definition of LASER

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

2

: something resembling a laser beam in accuracy, speed, or intensity <threw a laser into the end zone> <a laser stare>

Examples of LASER

1. doctors using a laser to perform delicate eye surgery

Origin of LASER

light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation

First Known Use: 1957

Rhymes with LASER

blazer, brazer, Frazer, gazer, Glaser, glazer, grazer, hazer, maser, mazer, praiser, razer, razor, Taser

²laser

transitive verb

Definition of LASER

: to subject to the action of a laser

: treat with a laser

First Known Use of LASER

1978

laser

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Device that produces an intense beam of coherent light (light composed of waves having a constant difference in phase). Its name, an acronym derived from “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation,” describes how its beam is produced. The first laser, constructed in 1960 by Theodore Maiman (born 1927) based on earlier work by Charles H. Townes, used a rod of ruby. Light of a suitable wavelength from a flashlight excited (see excitation) the ruby atoms to higher energy levels. The excited atoms decayed swiftly to slightly lower energies (through phonon reactions) and then fell more slowly to the ground state, emitting light at a specific wavelength. The light tended to bounce back and forth between the polished ends of the rod, stimulating further emission. The laser has found valuable applications in microsurgery, compact-disc players, communications, and holography, as well as for drilling holes in hard materials, alignment in tunnel drilling, long-distance measurement, and mapping fine details.