optic

1 of 2

adjective

op·​tic ˈäp-tik How to pronounce optic (audio)
Synonyms of opticnext
: 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 of optic

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Adjective

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Examples of optic in a Sentence

Adjective the optic nerve
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
No area of the brain was spared from the shrinkage, but the change was especially pronounced in the optic lobes and the optic tract—the bundles of nerves that carry visual signals to the brain—with reductions of 52% and 62% respectively. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 July 2026 And to prevent knock-offs, the collectible will feature the company’s new authentication packaging via its partnership with Octane5 and use micro-optic technology. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2026
Noun
The optics became nearly as problematic as the financial structure itself. — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Gaines noted that the optics of adults — including a team owner — yelling at teenagers for supporting a common-sense belief is a disturbing look for society at large. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for optic

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of optic was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing optic

Rhymes for optic

See All Rhymes for optic

Browse Nearby Words

optative
optic
optical
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Cite this Entry

“Optic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optic. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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 How to pronounce optic (audio)
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

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