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 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
One example is optic neuritis, which is inflammation of the optic nerve that can interrupt electrical signals carrying visual information from the eye to the brain. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 Approximately four months after starting the medication, Engel was diagnosed with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 In this database, NPR found more than 1,000 reports of optic neuropathy linked to GLP-1s since 2024. — Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 10 Oct. 2026 Following the successful activation of its infrared sensors, engineers moved on to calibrate the WFI's element wheel, which filters individual wavelengths for detection using a system of prisms and other optic mechanisms. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 16 Sep. 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

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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 27 Oct. 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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