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fiber optics
plural noun
1
: thin transparent fibers of glass or plastic that are enclosed by material of a lower refractive index and that transmit light throughout their length by internal reflections
also
: a bundle of such fibers used in an instrument (as for viewing body cavities)
2
singular in construction
: the technique of the use of fiber optics
Examples of fiber optics in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One common application of this phenomenon is in fiber optics.
—Rhett Allain, WIRED, 23 Aug. 2024
The innovation paved the way for semiconductor lasers used in CD players, fiber optics, and other applications.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 May 2024
Embracing alternative technologies beyond fiber optics for last-mile connectivity is crucial.
—Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 10 May 2024
The Costa Rican government doubled its investment in fiber optics, and a rush of remote workers from the U.S. and Canada followed.
—Melinda Fulmer, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2024
That includes 103 digital projectors, 22 servers, 19 miles of fiber optics and a lot of furniture.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2024
That creates a characteristic ground vibration that disturbs the fiber optics near the track, which shows up in the light signal.
—Matt Simon, WIRED, 31 Jan. 2024
In addition, each line of a comb can be isolated and have properties such as its amplitude modulated to carry data over fiber optics.
—IEEE Spectrum, 12 Mar. 2024
Developers can include services such as fiber optics within their community's infrastructure and should always use the best available options for residents.
—John Krpan, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fiber optics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1956, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near fiber optics
Cite this Entry
“Fiber optics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fiber%20optics. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
fiber optics
noun1
plural
: thin transparent enclosed fibers of glass or plastic that carry light by internal reflections
also
: a bundle of such fibers used in an instrument
2
: the technique of the use of fiber optics
Medical Definition
fiber optics
noun plural
variants
or chiefly British fibre optics
1
: thin transparent fibers of glass or plastic that are enclosed by material of a lower index of refraction and that transmit light throughout their length by internal reflections
also
: a bundle of such fibers used in an instrument (as an endoscope)
2
singular in construction
: the technique of the use of fiber optics
More from Merriam-Webster on fiber optics
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fiber optics
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