laser

/ˈleɪzər/

/ˈleɪzə/

Other forms: lasers

A laser is a focused beam of light used for many reasons, from eye surgery to gun scopes to laser pointers.

The first laser was created more than 50 years ago. The word laser actually stands for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation," and the result is a powerful beam of light that happens to be very useful. Many people know lasers from science fiction movies, where aliens fire deadly lasers at Earth. Lasers aren't that dramatic in real life, but they are used in many ways, including surgery and light shows.

Definitions of laser

1. noun

   an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation; an optical device that produces an intense monochromatic beam of coherent light
   synonyms: optical maser

   type of:

   optical device

   a device for producing or controlling light