English edit

Etymology edit

optic +‎ -al

Pronunciation edit

Adjective edit

optical (comparative more optical, superlative most optical)

  1. Of, or relating to sight; visual.
    Strabismus is an optical defect.
    (Can we add an example for this sense?)
  2. Designed to assist or enhance sight
    A microscope is an optical instrument.
  3. Of, or relating to optics.
    Refraction is an optical effect.
  4. Of, or relating to visible light.
    Optical telescopes don't work when it is cloudy.
  5. Incorporating light-sensitive devices.
    An optical switch opens the door automatically.

Derived terms edit

Translations edit

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Noun edit

optical (plural opticals)

  1. (film) Any special effect requiring laboratory work on the film.
    • 1976 August 14, Gary Jane Hoisington, “Locker Room As The Site Of Religious Ecstasy”, in Gay Community News, volume 4, number 7, page 9:
      It is a glossy film with gross, opulent opticals and little comic, or any, relief; it has the jaundiced complexion of an early 60s underground film, which it is; it is ponderous, Wagnerian, and feels about five hours long (its running time is about an hour).
    • 2006, David K. Irving, Peter W. Rea, Producing and Directing the Short Film and Video, page 294:
      If you plan to output back to film, opticals and effects can be shot on film or generated by computer and then transferred to film.

Anagrams edit