laser
LAYZ-uh
Laser (noun) means a device that produces a narrow, highly focused beam of light through amplified light emission. Example: “The surgeon used a laser to remove the tiny growth.”
noun
1
A device that produces a narrow, highly focused beam of light through amplified light emission.
"The surgeon used a laser to remove the tiny growth."
"Doctors used a laser to correct her vision."
"The presenter pointed at the slide with a laser pointer."
verb
1
To treat, cut, or mark something using a laser.
"The company lasers its logo onto every wooden box it sells."
"The technician lasered the metal plate to cut a perfect circle."
"The tattoo was lasered off over several sessions."
How to use laser
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA concentrated beam of light used for cutting, measuring, medical treatment, or pointing.
Common pairings
laser pointer
laser surgery
laser-focused
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Word forms
- Plural
- lasers
- Third person singular
- lasers
- Past tense
- lasered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The surgeon used a _____ to remove the tiny growth.
Etymology
An acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation," coined by physicist Gordon Gould in 1957.
Class of 1957
laser joined the language around 1957.
See the full Class of 1957 →
Synonyms
View more →
optical maser
Rhymes for laser
See all rhymes for laser →Frequently asked questions
What does “laser” mean?
The word “laser” means a device that produces a narrow, highly focused beam of light through amplified light emission. In plain terms, a concentrated beam of light used for cutting, measuring, medical treatment, or pointing.
How do you pronounce “laser”?
“Laser” is pronounced LAYZ-uh (/ˈleɪzɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “laser” in a sentence?
Here is “laser” used in a sentence: “Doctors used a laser to correct her vision.”
What part of speech is “laser”?
Depending on how it is used, “laser” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “laser” come from?
The word “laser” dates back to around 1957. An acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation," coined by physicist Gordon Gould in 1957.
Is “laser” a common word?
“Laser” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “laser” have?
“Laser” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device that produces a narrow, highly focused beam of light through amplified light emission.
What does the word "laser" stand for?
"Laser" began as an acronym for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation." It is now treated as an ordinary word and is rarely capitalised.
What is the difference between a "laser" and ordinary light?
A laser produces a narrow, highly focused beam in which the light waves are aligned, so it stays tight over distance. Ordinary light, such as from a bulb, spreads out in all directions and mixes many colours.
Can "laser" be used as a verb?
Yes. Used as a verb, "laser" means to treat, cut, or mark something with a laser, as in the pattern was lasered onto the metal surface.
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