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

For Barnette Diggs, OIC offered a chance to expand her skills in fiber optics, carpentry and core maintenance. — Najahe Sherman, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2026

However, as robot arms swivel, rotate, and extend, the electrical cables, fiber optics, and pneumatic hoses supplying them endure severe mechanical stress. — IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2026

Every major era of economic expansion has demanded its own capital architecture, from railroads to fiber optics. — Jim Zelter, Fortune, 31 July 2026

Value Creators like early Apple, Amazon, and Google built lasting infrastructure—fiber optics, modern systems, and social networks. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

fiber optics

noun

1

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

fiber-optic adjective

or chiefly British fibre-optic

ˈfī-bə-ˌräp-tik