laser

1 of 2

noun

la·​ser ˈlā-zər How to pronounce laser (audio)
often attributive
1
: a device that utilizes the natural oscillations of atoms or molecules between energy levels for generating a beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation usually in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared regions of the spectrum
also : the beam of coherent radiation itself
The cesium fluoresced. This told them they had the necessary population of excited atoms to produce a laser. Nick Taylor
2
: something resembling a laser beam in accuracy, speed, or intensity
threw a laser into the end zone
a laser stare

laser

2 of 2

verb

lasered; lasering; lasers

transitive verb

: to subject to the action of a laser : treat with a laser

Examples of laser in a Sentence

Noun doctors using a laser to perform delicate eye surgery
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Fun fact: The Richfield concerts, which featured massive video screens and a laser show, drew sports celebrities Mike Tyson and Don King, who were living in Northeast Ohio at the time. Troy Smith, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024 This laser tightens pores so small breakouts are a potential side effect. Amber Gibson, Glamour, 21 Oct. 2024
Verb
Homelander found some of her breast milk in a freezer and lasers it, starts drinking it, gets caught. Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2024 But even in spite of all of the swirl, the team is still able to laser focus and deliver day in and day out. Josef Adalian, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for laser 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'laser.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation

First Known Use

Noun

1957, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1978, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of laser was in 1957

Dictionary Entries Near laser

Cite this Entry

“Laser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laser. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

laser

1 of 2 noun
la·​ser ˈlā-zər How to pronounce laser (audio)
: a device that uses the natural vibrations of atoms or molecules to generate a narrow beam of light having a small frequency range

laser

2 of 2 verb
: to subject to the action of a laser
Etymology

Noun

light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation

Medical Definition

laser

1 of 2 noun
la·​ser
ˈlā-zər
: a device that utilizes the natural oscillations of atoms or molecules between energy levels for generating coherent electromagnetic radiation usually in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared regions of the spectrum

laser

2 of 2 transitive verb
: to subject to the action of a laser : treat with a laser
cutting a corneal flap to remove tissue and then lasering the area under itJenny Manzer
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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