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

There’s a 50% risk of developing MS within 15 years of an episode of optic neuritis. —Katie Gutierrez, TIME, 19 Sep. 2024

If someone’s at a higher risk of developing optic neuropathy but could benefit tremendously from weight loss or diabetes management, then semaglutide is still a useful drug. —John Loeppky, Verywell Health, 16 July 2024

Noun

The Spy-Synthesis module packs thermal optics, a stabilizer for its ZTM-1 30-millimeter autocannon plus a KBA-117 automatic grenade launcher and a launcher for a Stugna anti-tank missile. —David Axe, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024

And so, in California, new discoveries in physics, optics, and math were born—rigorously researched and then applied, becoming the stuff of rocket science. —Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 20 Sep. 2024

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

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