optics

plural noun

op·​tics ˈäp-tiks 

1

plural in form but usually singular in construction : a science that deals with the genesis and propagation of light, the changes that it undergoes and produces, and other phenomena closely associated with it

But before we deal with telescopes, you need to understand a little about optics—how light is controlled.

—Michael Zeilik et al.

Everything we know suggests that [eyeglasses] were invented by chance, and by laymen who were not learned in optics.

—Daniel J. Boorstin

see also optic entry 2 sense 2a

2

: the aspects of an action, policy, or decision (as in politics or business) that relate to public perceptions

… when a broken-down bailout recipient like Citigroup tries to pay its top executives gigantic bonuses or to acquire a new private jet, it has failed to reconsider the optics.

—Nick Paumgarten

Skilling said Baxter "was concerned about the optics of the conflict, but not about the ethics or propriety of the transactions," according to interview memos.

—Peter Behr and April Witt

Examples of optics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Our plan includes equipping airports with fiber optics and satellite technology to give controllers the best tools for their critical work. —Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025

It is fully coated and is workably bright (though the optics are not in the class as others on this list). —Tony Hansen, Field & Stream, 30 Jan. 2023

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby was asked about the optics of the visit. —Haisten Willis, Washington Examiner, 6 Jan. 2023

Garrett acknowledged that the optics of the situation aren't ideal for anyone, never mind a team captain, leader and one of the NFL's best defensive players. —Tom Withers, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing optics

• adaptive optics
• electron optics
• electro-optics
• fiber optics

Kids Definition

optics

noun

op·​tics ˈäp-tiks 

: a science that deals with the nature and properties of light and the effects that it undergoes and produces

Medical Definition

optics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

op·​tics ˈäp-tiks 

1

: a science that deals with the genesis and propagation of light, the changes that it undergoes and produces, and other phenomena closely associated with it

2

: optical properties