the branch of physics that studies the physical properties of light
"The physicist spent years studying optics to understand how lenses bend light."
The physics of light and vision.
"The new campaign strategy was criticized because its optics suggested that the party cared more about fundraising than solving problems."
plural of optic
In plain English: Optics is how something looks to people, not necessarily what it really is.
"The new campaign promises might look good on paper, but their optics would be terrible if voters saw them breaking existing laws."
The word optics comes from the Medieval Latin opticus, which was borrowed directly from the Ancient Greek term for "pertaining to sight." It entered English as a field of study focused on vision and light, retaining its original meaning throughout history.