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 plural

b

: an optical instrument

Synonyms of optic

Adjective

• optical

Examples of optic in a Sentence

Adjective

the optic nerve

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Following the successful activation of its infrared sensors, engineers moved on to calibrate the WFI's element wheel, which filters individual wavelengths for detection using a system of prisms and other optic mechanisms. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Classics like black and cream—a richer, warmer tone than optic white—always work too. — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 12 Aug. 2026

Noun

The Senate has been addressing this week nominee confirmations and a bipartisan college sports bill to create standards on how athletes are paid, priorities that Republicans warn present poor optics to voters. — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 24 Sep. 2026

Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s arrival in Washington — and the fanfare surrounding his visit — is running into criticism by some Republicans who are concerned about the optics. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 24 Sep. 2026

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 disk
• 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