optical

adjective

op·​ti·​cal ˈäp-ti-kəl How to pronounce optical (audio)
1
: of or relating to the science of optics
2
a
: of or relating to vision : visual
b
: visible sense 1
optical wavelength
c
: of, relating to, or being objects that emit light in the visible range of frequencies
an optical galaxy
d
: using the properties of light to aid vision
an optical instrument
3
a
: of, relating to, or utilizing light especially instead of other forms of energy
optical microscopy
b
: involving the use of light-sensitive devices to acquire information for a computer
optical character recognition
4
: of or relating to optical art
optically adverb

Examples of optical in a Sentence

The company manufactures microscopes, telescopes, and other optical instruments. an optical illusion that fools most people
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This structural compatibility facilitates simultaneous quantum operations and permits smooth integration with current optical systems. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025 The show at The Venetian Expo showcased the latest technology, innovation, education and trends shaping the optical sector. Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025 Its orbit extended halfway to the moon, giving astronomers a view roughly 100,000 times sharper than typical optical images. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2025 Lately, partnerships with the likes of the Kingsman series of films, skatewear brand Palace, jeweler The Great Frog, and watchmaker Breitling have helped spread word about the brand beyond the optical world. Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for optical

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of optical was in 1570

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Cite this Entry

“Optical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optical. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

optical

adjective
op·​ti·​cal ˈäp-ti-kəl How to pronounce optical (audio)
1
: relating to optics
2
: of or relating to vision
3
a
: of, relating to, or using light
an optical telescope
b
: involving the use of a device that senses light to acquire information for a computer
an optical scanner
optically adverb

Medical Definition

optical

adjective
op·​ti·​cal ˈäp-ti-kəl How to pronounce optical (audio)
1
: of or relating to the science of optics
2
a
: of or relating to vision : visual
b
: using the properties of light to aid vision
an optical instrument
3
: of, relating to, or utilizing light
optical microscopy

More from Merriam-Webster on optical

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