optic

1 of 2

adjective

op·​tic ˈäp-tik How to pronounce optic (audio)
: of or relating to vision or the eye

optic

2 of 2

noun

1
: eye
2
a
: any of the elements (such as lenses, mirrors, or light guides) of an optical instrument or system
usually used in plural
b
: an optical instrument

Examples of optic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Whether wearing them with snow boots and a winter coat this season, or styling them with sandals and a breezy blouse once temperatures warm, take inspiration from Meghan Markle by adding a pair of optic white jeans to your wardrobe. Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024 This white sneaker, in particular, is simply perfect, in a bright, optic shade of white. Todd Plummer, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2023 Meta is promising a 40 percent slimmer optic profile compared to the Quest 2, discounting any facial inserts. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 1 June 2023 The good news was that doctors knew almost instantly what was wrong with me (optic neuritis, or inflammation of the optic nerve) and how to treat it (five days of intravenous steroids). Erika Fry, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2024 But doing so also hinders the efficient capture and guidance of emitted photons via the fiber’s internal optic mode, also known as channeling efficiency—the mechanism by which the photons are coupled into and channeled through the fiber based on the fiber’s structure. IEEE Spectrum, 10 Jan. 2024 But that’s actually something of an optic illusion, says Alexes Hazen, M.D., a reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgeon at NYU Langone Health. Garrett Munce, Men's Health, 24 July 2023 Vortex adds a ton of value to this setup by including the rangefinder pouch and a bonus neck strap for your optic standard. The Editors, Field & Stream, 1 Nov. 2023 His eyebrows look groomed and his teeth are optic white and very straight, but his face doesn’t register as a rich guy’s. Lauren Larson, Men's Health, 7 Sep. 2023
Noun
The racial dynamics, both in terms of optics and the reality that minority entrepreneurs are still heinously overlooked in the world of venture capital, are very much on the film’s mind, but Muta’Ali doesn’t have time or perhaps the necessary scapegoats to go too deep. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2024 The optics of the situation are drastically different, however. Jay Cohen, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Nonetheless, its optics are sound and its focus speed is quick enough to keep up with the latest camera bodies. PCMAG, 6 Feb. 2024 Local media also noted the uncomfortable optics of shooting a prestige drama about privileged expats in Hong Kong while the government continued its crackdown on civil rights in the wake of massive protests. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 23 Jan. 2024 EOTech manufactures advanced optics sights and scopes. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2024 But where refurbishing a vehicles mostly requires a little metalwork, an engine overhaul, replacement of radios and—if the crews are lucky—a few modest upgrades to the optics and armor, from-scratch production is much more labor- and resource intensive. David Axe, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 Is Dillane worried about the optics of opening this mega fashion space in the neighborhood? José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2024 Hegerty and Lenker are suspicious of one another’s motivations, and both are aware of the genuine politics and the less-genuine political optics of their conflict: An old white guy with a network of cronies up against a younger biracial woman who wants to expose his misdeeds. Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'optic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Medieval Latin opticus, from Greek optikos, from opsesthai to be going to see; akin to Greek opsis appearance, ōps eye — more at eye

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of optic was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near optic

Cite this Entry

“Optic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

optic

adjective
op·​tic
ˈäp-tik
: of or relating to vision or the eye
Etymology

Adjective

Middle English optic "relating to the eye," from Latin opticus (same meaning), from Greek optikos (same meaning), from opsesthai "to be going to see" — related to autopsy

Medical Definition

optic

1 of 2 adjective
op·​tic ˈäp-tik How to pronounce optic (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to vision
optic phenomena
b
: dependent chiefly on vision for orientation
humans are basically optic animals
2
a
: of or relating to the eye : ocular
b
: affecting the eye or an optic structure

optic

2 of 2 noun
1
: any of the elements (as lenses, mirrors, or light guides) of an optical instrument or system
usually used in plural
2
: an optical instrument

More from Merriam-Webster on optic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!