an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation; an optical device that produces an intense monochromatic beam of coherent light
"The surgeon used a precision laser to make the incision, relying on its ability to produce an incredibly focused and intense beam of coherent light."
A device that produces a monochromatic, coherent beam of light.
"The engineer explained that the laser, an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, was precise enough to cut through the thick steel beam without any wobble."
A gum resin obtained from certain umbelliferous plants.
A simple type of dinghy
Acronym of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.
In plain English: A laser is a device that creates a very narrow, intense beam of light by bouncing energy back and forth between mirrors until it shoots out as a single powerful ray.
"The laser pointer made the cat's eyes follow the red dot on the wall."
Usage: Use "laser" to refer to a device that produces a powerful, narrow beam of coherent light. Do not use it as a verb or adjective unless you are specifically referencing the technology within those grammatical roles.
To cut with a laser
"The factory technician carefully adjusted the settings to ensure the laser would cut through the thick metal sheet without overheating the surrounding area."
In plain English: To laser something means to focus all your energy and attention on it with extreme intensity.
"The marketing team will laser their efforts on increasing sales this quarter."
Usage: Do not use "laser" as a verb to mean focusing your attention or cutting something; it remains strictly a noun referring to the device that emits a focused beam of light. In everyday speech, people often incorrectly say they will "laser" a target, but this usage is technically wrong and should be avoided in favor of proper verbs like "focus," "target," or "sight."
The word laser is an acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation," a term coined in 1957 by American physicist Gordon Gould. It was originally known as an optical maser before the shorter name became standard.