optical disc

noun

variants or optical disk
plural optical discs or optical disks
: a disk with a plastic coating on which information (such as music, visual images, or computer data) is recorded digitally (as in the form of tiny pits) and which is read by using a laser
The PS5 is available in two versions. … At this point, people are happy to get their hands on either one, but if you don't have a library of optical discs—for Blu-ray movies, used games or old PS4 games—CNET recommends that you go with the $400 version.Dave Johnson

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of optical disc was in 1957

Cite this Entry

“Optical disc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optical%20disc. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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