fiber optics

plural noun

1
: thin transparent fibers of glass or plastic that are enclosed by material of a lower refractive index and that transmit light throughout their length by internal reflections
also : a bundle of such fibers used in an instrument (as for viewing body cavities)
2
singular in construction : the technique of the use of fiber optics

Examples of fiber optics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
On pure speed terms, there’s still no competition with fiber optics – the overall data transmission record remains at a mind-boggling 22.9 petabits per second, which is 22.9 million Gbps. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2024 At a previous company, I was tasked with developing a new technology for fiber optics devices. Chuck Mattera, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 One common application of this phenomenon is in fiber optics. Rhett Allain, WIRED, 23 Aug. 2024 The innovation paved the way for semiconductor lasers used in CD players, fiber optics, and other applications. IEEE Spectrum, 28 May 2024 Embracing alternative technologies beyond fiber optics for last-mile connectivity is crucial. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 10 May 2024 The Costa Rican government doubled its investment in fiber optics, and a rush of remote workers from the U.S. and Canada followed. Melinda Fulmer, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2024 That includes 103 digital projectors, 22 servers, 19 miles of fiber optics and a lot of furniture. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2024 That creates a characteristic ground vibration that disturbs the fiber optics near the track, which shows up in the light signal. Matt Simon, WIRED, 31 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fiber optics was in 1956

Dictionary Entries Near fiber optics

Cite this Entry

“Fiber optics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fiber%20optics. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

fiber optics

noun
1
plural : thin transparent enclosed fibers of glass or plastic that carry light by internal reflections
also : a bundle of such fibers used in an instrument
2
: the technique of the use of fiber optics

Medical Definition

fiber optics

noun plural
variants or chiefly British fibre optics
1
: thin transparent fibers of glass or plastic that are enclosed by material of a lower index of refraction and that transmit light throughout their length by internal reflections
also : a bundle of such fibers used in an instrument (as an endoscope)
2
singular in construction : the technique of the use of fiber optics
fiber-optic adjective
or chiefly British fibre-optic

More from Merriam-Webster on fiber optics

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