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

optically

ˈäp-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• ocular
• optic
• visual

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

High-altitude dispersal of ash and sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere led to optical phenomena around the globe. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

The semiconductor firm is a juggernaut working in the data center with Jensen Huang’s Nvidia to provide optical connectivity tech, but also with Amazon Web Services on its custom silicon — and apparently Alphabet’s Google and Microsoft, too. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2024

Members also enjoy special pricing on services like optical, pharmacy and tire and battery centers. —Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 1 Dec. 2024

Seriously, a triple-camera system with a 3X optical zoom for under $500? —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing optical

• electro-optical
• magneto-optical
• optical activity
• optical art
• optical bench
• optical disc
• optical fiber
• optical glass
• optical illusion
• optical rotation

Kids 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

optically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

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

: using the properties of light to aid vision

an optical instrument

3

: of, relating to, or utilizing light

optical microscopy