# optics

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɒptɪks/ · frequency rank #13,391

## Definitions
1. The physics of light and vision: basic optical science.
2. Technology that makes use of such physics: applied optical science; business lines making use of such technology.
3. The light-related aspects of a device.
4. Perception, image, public relations, especially in politics.

## Etymology
From Medieval Latin opticus (“optic, optical”), from Ancient Greek ὀπτικός (optikós), equivalent to optic + -ics.

## Easily confused with
- **Otis** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/optics-vs-otis)
- **option** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/optics-vs-option)
- **Optimus** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/optics-vs-optimus)
- **optic** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/optic-vs-optics)
- **optical** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/optical-vs-optics)

## Common misspellings (8)
`opitcs`, `opptics`, `optcis`, `opticcs`, `opticss`, `optisc`, `opttics`, `potics`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/optics