optic

UK: ˈɒptɪk | US: ˈɑːptɪk

Definition

  1. adj. relating to the eye or vision

  2. adj. relating to optics (the science of light and vision)

  3. n. (archaic) the eye

Structure
opt <see, vision (from Greek *optikos*)>ic <adjective suffix (from Greek *-ikos*)>
Etymology

The word "optic" traces back to the Greek optikos, meaning "of or for sight," derived from ops (eye) and -ikos (adjective-forming suffix). The morpheme "opt" preserves the core idea of vision, while "-ic" standardizes it as an adjective in English. Over time, "optic" expanded from strictly anatomical references (e.g., the eye) to encompass broader scientific contexts, such as optical instruments and light physics.

Examples

  1. The optic nerve transmits visual signals to the brain.

  2. She studied optic phenomena like refraction in her physics class.

  3. The microscope’s optic lens needed careful cleaning.

  4. (Archaic) His optics were sharp, spotting the distant ship.

  5. Modern cameras rely on advanced optic technology.