laser
Laser (noun) means a device that produces a narrow, highly focused beam of light through amplified light emission. Example: “Doctors used a laser to correct her vision.”
How to use laser
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA concentrated beam of light used for cutting, measuring, medical treatment, or pointing.
Word forms
lasered past tense, lasers plural, Lasers plural, lasers singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Doctors used a _____ to correct her vision.
Etymology
An acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation," coined by physicist Gordon Gould in 1957.
Synonyms
View more →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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