optical definition

1. Of or pertaining to vision or sight. "The moon, whose orb Through optic glass the Tuscan artist views." (Milton)

2. Of or pertaining to the eye; ocular; as, the optic nerves (the first pair of cranial nerves) which are distributed to the retina.

3. Relating to the science of optics; as, optical works.

<optics> Optic angle, a graduated circle used for the measurement of angles in optical experiments. Optical square, a surveyor's instrument with reflectors for laying off right angles.

Origin: F. Optique, Gr.; akin to sight, I have seen, I shall see, and to the two eyes, face, L. Oculus eye. See Ocular, Eye, and cf. Canopy, Ophthalmia.

(01 Mar 1998)