laser

la-ser · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A device that produces an intense, focused beam of coherent light through the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation.

  2. 2.

    The beam of light produced by such a device.

  3. 3.

    Used attributively to describe things that use or are related to laser technology.

Forms

plural: lasers

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    laser beam — The focused ray of light from a laser
  • •
    laser focus — Intense, highly concentrated attention
  • •
    laser-sharp — Extremely precise or accurate

Related words

See also: beam, light, radiation
Synonyms: light beam

Etymology

Acronym formed in 1960 from "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation." The device was first demonstrated by Theodore Maiman at Hughes Research Laboratories.