fiber optics

plural noun

1

: thin transparent fibers of glass or plastic that are enclosed by material of a lower refractive index and that transmit light throughout their length by internal reflections

also : a bundle of such fibers used in an instrument (as for viewing body cavities)

2

singular in construction : the technique of the use of fiber optics

Examples of fiber optics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are three major advantages of fiber optics, the Iron Cluster experts said. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025

The collaboration aims to bolster internet availability in remote areas where traditional fiber optics are impractical. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

Traditional Saudi elements such as mosaics were reinvented as ceiling coverings, while fiber optics were embedded into the plaster walls to illuminate at night. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024

On pure speed terms, there’s still no competition with fiber optics – the overall data transmission record remains at a mind-boggling 22.9 petabits per second, which is 22.9 million Gbps. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

fiber optics

noun

1

plural : thin transparent enclosed fibers of glass or plastic that carry light by internal reflections

also : a bundle of such fibers used in an instrument

2

: the technique of the use of fiber optics

Medical Definition

fiber optics

noun plural

variants or chiefly British fibre optics

1

: thin transparent fibers of glass or plastic that are enclosed by material of a lower index of refraction and that transmit light throughout their length by internal reflections

also : a bundle of such fibers used in an instrument (as an endoscope)

2

singular in construction : the technique of the use of fiber optics

fiber-optic adjective

or chiefly British fibre-optic

ˈfī-bə-ˌräp-tik