optic

1 of 2

adjective

op·​tic ˈäp-tik 

: 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

Synonyms

Adjective

• ocular
• optical
• visual

Examples of optic in a Sentence

Adjective

the optic nerve

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

This feature is one of optic technology's most significant steps forward in recent years. —Matt Morris, Space.com, 22 May 2025

Contributor Terri Williams says one of her favorite features is its optic cleaner head that cleans and polishes her hard floors. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 21 May 2025

Noun

Some officials have raised concerns over the parade's optics amid unrest. —Amanda Castro hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025

Initially, the studios and film financiers Williams contacted were wary of the optics of doing business with Weinstein. —Chris Lee, Vulture, 10 June 2025

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

Phrases Containing optic

• electro-optic
• fiber-optic
• magneto-optic
• optic axis
• optic chiasma
• optic cup
• optic disc
• optic lobe
• optic nerve
• optic vesicle

Rhymes for optic

• coptic
• preoptic
• synoptic
• supraoptic

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 

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