optic

1 of 2

adjective

op·​tic ˈäp-tik 

: of or relating to vision or the eye

optic

2 of 2

noun

1

: eye

2

a

: any of the elements (such as lenses, mirrors, or light guides) of an optical instrument or system

—usually used in plural

b

: an optical instrument

Synonyms

Adjective

• ocular
• optical
• visual

Examples of optic in a Sentence

Adjective

the optic nerve

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The vacuum has a fluffy optic cleaner head that not only cleans but also polishes hard floors. —Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024

However, Corning’s future revenue growth will benefit from its new optic products, including fiber, cables, and connectors, among others, aimed at reducing the overall installation costs. —Trefis Team, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Noun

What’s actually striking to me to reflect on is how the optics would have been so much different in this situation if the hacked company in question was one of the bigger tech companies like Meta or Amazon or Apple? —Andrew Wallenstein, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024

In terms of optics, the Phantom V Fold 2 sports three 50MP cameras. —Prakhar Khanna, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Medieval Latin opticus, from Greek optikos, from opsesthai to be going to see; akin to Greek opsis appearance, ōps eye — more at eye

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing optic

• electro-optic
• fiber-optic
• magneto-optic
• optic axis
• optic chiasma
• optic cup
• optic disc
• optic lobe
• optic nerve
• optic vesicle

Kids Definition

optic

adjective

op·​tic

ˈäp-tik

: of or relating to vision or the eye

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English optic "relating to the eye," from Latin opticus (same meaning), from Greek optikos (same meaning), from opsesthai "to be going to see" — related to autopsy

Medical Definition

optic

1 of 2 adjective

op·​tic ˈäp-tik 

1

a

: of or relating to vision

optic phenomena

b

: dependent chiefly on vision for orientation

humans are basically optic animals

2

a

: of or relating to the eye : ocular

b

: affecting the eye or an optic structure

optic

2 of 2 noun

1

: any of the elements (as lenses, mirrors, or light guides) of an optical instrument or system

—usually used in plural

2

: an optical instrument