Optic
Origin
From Medieval Latin opticus, from Ancient Greek ὀπτικός (optikos, "of seeing").
Full definition of optic
Adjective
optic
- Of, or relating to the eye or to vision.
- MiltonThe moon, whose orb
Through optic glass the Tuscan artist views. - Of, or relating to optics or optical instruments.
Noun
optic
(plural optics)- (now humorous) An eye.
- Alexander Pope (1688-1744)The difference is as great between
The optics seeing, as the object seen. - 1819, Lord Byron, Don Juan, I:how they,
Who saw those figures on the margin kiss all,
Could turn their optics to the text and pray,
Is more than I know... - 1907, Robert Chambers, The Younger Set Chapter 8, “I never understood it,†she observed, lightly scornful. “What occult meaning has a sun-dial for a spooney ? I’m sure I don't want to read riddles into a strange gentleman’s optics.â€
- A lens or other part of an optical instrument that interacts with light.
- 2013, Fenella Saunders, Tiny Lenses See the Big Picture, The single-imaging optic of the mammalian eye offers some distinct visual advantages. Such lenses can take in photons from a wide range of angles, increasing light sensitivity. They also have high spatial resolution, resolving incoming images in minute detail.
- A measuring device with a small window, attached to an upside-down bottle, used to dispense alcoholic drinks in a bar.