optics
The physics of light and vision: basic optical science.
Example
“a PhD in the optics of liquid crystals”
Other meanings
Technology that makes use of such physics: applied optical science; business lines making use of such technology.
“defense R&D investments in both optics and electronics”
The light-related aspects of a device.
“the optics of liquid crystals under certain laboratory conditions”
Word history
From Ancient Greek "ὀπτικός".
Where this comes from
This definition is adapted from “optics” on Wiktionary, by its contributors, published under CC BY-SA 4.0. This page is published under the same licence.