la·ser
| \ ˈlā-zər
\
\
Definition of laser
(Entry 1 of 2)
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
verb
lasered; lasering; lasers
Definition of laser (Entry 2 of 2)
: 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
The laser had a warning on it, cautioning against direct eye exposure, the prosecutor said.
—
oregonlive, 9 June 2021
Breakthroughs this week include physicists who achieved the highest intensity laser ever, and chemical engineers who catalyzed jet fuel from plastic waste.
—
Lindsey Mcginnis, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 June 2021
Like a gigantic space laser, the letter beamed forth one unsupported statement after another and another and another.
—
Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 6 June 2021
There is also a forward-facing laser to detect vehicles and road signs.
—
Sebastian Blanco, Car and Driver, 4 June 2021
The memorial includes images of the war laser-etched onto a granite face.
—
Sam Whiting, San Francisco Chronicle, 4 June 2021
This, plus smaller VCSEL (vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser) chips to power Face ID, should allow Apple to shrink the notch.
—
Jacob Siegal, BGR, 3 June 2021
One was able to locate the origin of the laser using the Churchill Mapping System.
—
Ayana Archie, The Courier-Journal, 2 June 2021
The Bruins, first to five postseason wins, are in stride, a team in full, with Rask laser-locked on shots, the No. 1 line cranking like the old Iron Horse in North Station at happy hour, and secondary scoring at the ready.
—
BostonGlobe.com, 31 May 2021
Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Tuesday morning thanks to resurgent consumer demand, is falling 4% after a better-than-expected earnings report, as analysts laser in on a $9 million settlement with the SEcurities and Exchange Commision over misleading accounting practices.
—
Jonathan Ponciano, Forbes, 4 May 2021
Guests can fight zombies or challenge friends to laser tag.
—
Alex Demarban, Anchorage Daily News, 23 Apr. 2021
There are, of course, upsides to laser hair removal treatments and bikini waxes.
—
Megan Gustashaw, Glamour, 20 Apr. 2021
But the Navy already has a bigger destroyer that can host everything from hypersonic missiles to laser weapons.
—
Loren Thompson, Forbes, 6 Apr. 2021
My guide was able to laser in on the right ones for my ability level.
—
Rebecca Misner, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2021
The team has been experimenting with different spacecraft materials to see how each reacts to laser pulse emissions called irradiation.
—
Caroline Delbert And Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 2 Mar. 2021
The Hall of Fame will schedule programming for the plaza — from viewing parties for NFL games to musical performances to nightly laser light shows synchronized with music from popular bands covering all genres.
—
Barry Wilner, Star Tribune, 18 Sep. 2020
It’s not necessary to laser-scan objects with expensive instruments.
—
Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, 6 Sep. 2020
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'laser.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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Learn More About laser
From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
Why Laser Doesn't Have a 'Z'
Why Laser Doesn't Have a 'Z'
You're going to be the smartest person at laser tag
Dictionary Entries Near laser
See More Nearby EntriesStatistics for laser
Last Updated
13 Jun 2021
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“Laser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laser. Accessed 17 Jun. 2021.
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More Definitions for laser
laser
noun
English Language Learners Definition of laser
: a device that produces a narrow and powerful beam of light that has many special uses in medicine, industry, etc.
See the full definition for laser in the English Language Learners Dictionary
laser
noun
la·ser
| \ ˈlā-zər
\
\
Kids Definition of laser
: a device that produces a very powerful beam of light
laser
noun
la·ser
| \ ˈlā-zər \
Medical Definition of laser
(Entry 1 of 2)
: 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
transitive verbMedical Definition of laser (Entry 2 of 2)
: 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 it— Jenny Manzer
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Time Traveler for laser
The first known use of laser was in 1957
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