dioptrics Meaning, Definition & Usage

Di*op"trics noun
Etymology
Gr. : cf. F. dioptrique.
Definitions
  1. (Optics) The science of the refraction of light; that part of geometrical optics which treats of the laws of the refraction of light in passing from one medium into another, or through different mediums, as air, water, or glass, and esp. through different lenses; -- distinguished from catoptrics, which refers to reflected light.

Webster 1913