1. the scientific study of light and vision
Usage: physics
2. lenses, mirrors, and other devices that work with light
3. the way something appears to the public; public perception
Usage: informal

Examples

• She studied optics in her physics course.
• The telescope’s optics need to be cleaned regularly.
• Fiber optics revolutionized telecommunications.
• The camera’s optics produce sharp, clear images.
• The politician was concerned about the optics of the meeting.
• Bad optics from the scandal hurt his campaign.
• The microscope’s advanced optics revealed tiny details.