Laser

Definition

A device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation.

Parts of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

American English

IPA Pronunciation: /ˈleɪzər/
Respelling: LAY-zer (with "LAY" as in "say" and "zer" as in "her")

British English

IPA Pronunciation: /ˈleɪzə/
Respelling: LAY-zuh (with "LAY" as in "say" and "zuh" as in "sofa")

In both dialects, "laser" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "LAY." The American pronunciation includes a pronounced "zer" sound, while the British pronunciation has a softer "zuh" sound.

Etymology

The term "laser" originated in the 1960s as an acronym for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation".

Derivatives

Lasered (verb, past tense)
Lasering (verb, present participle)
Laser-like (adjective)
Laser beam (noun)
Laser surgery (noun)

Synonyms

Maser (Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation)
Optical amplifier
Light amplifier

Antonyms

None

Usage

Lasers are used in a variety of applications including medical treatments, communications, entertainment, manufacturing, and scientific research. They are valued for their ability to produce a highly focused beam of light with high precision and control.

Related Terms

Photon: A particle representing a quantum of light.
Stimulated Emission: The process by which an incoming photon causes an excited electron to drop to a lower energy level, releasing a photon.
Optical Fiber: A flexible, transparent fiber made of glass or plastic, used to transmit light.

Detailed Definition

Noun

Laser (Noun): A device that generates an intense beam of coherent monochromatic light (or other electromagnetic radiation) by stimulated emission of photons from excited atoms or molecules.
- Example: "The surgeon used a laser to remove the tumor with high precision."