adaptive optics

noun

An optical system in telescopes that reduces atmospheric distortion by dynamically measuring and correcting wavefront aberrations in real time, often by using a deformable mirror.

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Meanings

nounadaptive optics (uncountable)
  1. uncountableastronomyAn optical system in telescopes that reduces atmospheric distortion by dynamically measuring and correcting wavefront aberrations in real time, often by using a deformable mirror.
Cite this entry
APA

adaptive optics. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/adaptive%20optics

MLA

“adaptive optics.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/adaptive%20optics. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “adaptive optics,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/adaptive%20optics.

Source: adaptive optics on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.