optical
adjective
op·ti·cal
ˈäp-ti-kəl 
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
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
Working with mirrors, light, movement, color, and optical effects, Le Parc became one of the leading figures of kinetic art.
—
Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 30 May 2026
Xairos also established simultaneous quantum and optical links using a single Ares Quantum Optical Terminal.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026
The remodeled location will drop clothing, jewelry, electronics, the pharmacy, optical center, bakery, tire shop and food court, though the gas station will remain open.
—Ian Cummings, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026
That reduces the optical power and is one of the most notable sacrifices in pursuit of a better gaming design.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for optical
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Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 30 May 2026
Xairos also established simultaneous quantum and optical links using a single Ares Quantum Optical Terminal.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026
The remodeled location will drop clothing, jewelry, electronics, the pharmacy, optical center, bakery, tire shop and food court, though the gas station will remain open.
—Ian Cummings, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026
That reduces the optical power and is one of the most notable sacrifices in pursuit of a better gaming design.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for optical
Cite this Entry
“Optical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optical. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
optical
adjective
op·ti·cal
ˈäp-ti-kəl
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
Medical Definition
optical
adjective
op·ti·cal
ˈäp-ti-kəl
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