Optical Terminology

adjective having one eye higher or more forward than the other; cross-eyed

adverb in a crooked or askew manner

• The painting on the wall looked cockeyed due to the uneven hanging.
• She always wears her sunglasses cockeyed for a trendy look.
• His plan was all cockeyed and ended up failing miserably.
• The whole situation seemed cockeyed, with conflicting accounts from both parties.

noun a fierce or angry stare

verb to stare fiercely or angrily

• The professor fixed a stern glare on the student who was talking during the lecture.
• I could feel my mom's disapproving glare from across the room.
• The bouncer gave us a mean glare when we tried to sneak in without IDs.
• The spotlight on the stage was so bright, it felt like a glare in my eyes.

noun a brief flash or gleam of light

verb to give out or reflect small flashes of light

• The sun's glint off the water created a beautiful reflection.
• I caught a glint of gold in the antique shop window.
• She gave me a glint in her eye that told me she was up to no good.
• His smile had a glint of mischief in it.

adjective describing something that is shining or glowing with light; translucent or clear

• The scientist observed the specimen under the lucent microscope.
• The lucent screen of the new phone is so clear and bright.
• Her lucent eyes sparkled with excitement as she talked about her crush.
• The artist's painting had a lucent quality that seemed to glow from within.

verb to make something appear larger or more important than it actually is

• The scientist magnified the specimen under the microscope to study its cellular structure.
• I magnified the photo on my phone to get a closer look at the details.
• She totally magnified the situation by spreading rumors.
• His fear of failure was magnified by his overactive imagination.

adjective relating to a condition in which it is difficult to see objects that are far away; myopic

• The optometrist diagnosed him as being nearsighted and prescribed him with corrective lenses.
• I can't see far away without my glasses, I'm so nearsighted.
• I'm blind as a bat without my contacts, I'm super nearsighted.
• She's so focused on the details, she's practically nearsighted when it comes to the big picture.

adjective relating to or having the form of a prism; exhibiting a play of colors like that of a prism

• The scientist used a prismatic lens to separate the different wavelengths of light.
• I bought a prismatic phone case that changes colors when you move it.
• Check out these prismatic sunglasses, they're so cool!
• Her prismatic personality shines brightly in any situation.

adjective allowing light to pass through, but not transparent

• The artist used translucent paint to create a delicate watercolor effect.
• I love how the sunlight filters through the translucent curtains in the morning.
• Check out these cool translucent sunglasses I just got!
• Her emotions were like a translucent veil, giving just a hint of what she was feeling.

noun a condition in which the ability to focus on near objects decreases with age, resulting in difficulty seeing close-up

adjective presbyopic

• Presbyopia is a common age-related condition that affects the ability to focus on close objects.
• I just found out I have presbyopia and now I need reading glasses.
• My eyes are getting old, I guess it's presbyopia kicking in.
• Dealing with presbyopia feels like a constant reminder of the passing of time.

noun a structure or object that is ring-shaped

adjective relating to or shaped like a ring

• The annular eclipse was visible from certain parts of the world.
• Did you see the cool annular eclipse yesterday?
• That annular eclipse was lit!
• The annular design of the building symbolizes unity and continuity.

noun a lens or mirror that is free of chromatic aberration

• The scientist used an achromat lens to study the specimen under the microscope.
• I borrowed my friend's achromat camera lens for the photography project.
• I need to get my hands on that achromat filter for my camera.
• Her worldview was like an achromat, seeing things in black and white without any shades of gray.

noun the quality or state of being achromatic, or without color

• The achromaticity of the design gave it a timeless and elegant appeal.
• The lack of color in the painting added to its simplicity and beauty.
• That black and white photo has a cool achromaticity to it.
• The achromaticity of his personality made it hard to read his true emotions.