optical fiber

noun

: a single fiber-optic strand

Examples of optical fiber in a Sentence

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.
Signals need something to carry them—radio waves carry wireless data, light carries information through optical fibers, and sound carries information through air. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026 The Legacy Imaging Surveys were originally designed to help DESI determine where to point its thousands of robotic optical fibers, essentially creating the 2D foundation for DESI's much larger effort to map the universe in three dimensions. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 11 Aug. 2026 The means for carrying out optical connectivity include lasers, optical fibers, modulators, and various connectors, all working in conjunction to build an enhanced fiber-optic network structure. — Paxton Honerkamp, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026 Several light-up Eiffel Towers commanded tables, along with elegant centerpieces, some monumental, topped with crystal spheres sporting sprays of illuminated optical fiber. — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optical fiber

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of optical fiber was in 1962

Rhymes for optical fiber

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Browse Nearby Words

optical electron
optical fiber
optical flat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Optical fiber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optical%20fiber. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

optical fiber

noun
: a single fiber-optic strand

Medical Definition

optical fiber

noun
: a single fiber-optic strand
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