Definition of axicon
axicons
: an object resembling an optical lens with a conical surface that has no definite focal point On a trip to Russia, Milchberg discovered that scientists there were using an odd, funnel-shaped “axicon” lens that brought laser beams into an elongated, needle-like focus instead of the sharp point that conventional lenses produce. — Curt Suplee, Washington Post, 11 Sept. 1995
From the M-W Editors
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
Origin and Etymology of axicon
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up axicon? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!