: a device that utilizes the natural oscillations of atoms or molecules between energy levels for generating a beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation usually in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared regions of the spectrum
also: the beam of coherent radiation itself
The cesium fluoresced. This told them they had the necessary population of excited atoms to produce a laser. Nick Taylor
2
: something resembling a laser beam in accuracy, speed, or intensity
: to subject to the action of a laser : treat with a laser
Example Sentences
Noun doctors using a laser to perform delicate eye surgery
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Meet The Expert: Dr. Karen Kagha is a Los Angeles-based, Harvard cosmetic and laser fellowship trained dermatologist who specializes in hyperpigmentation, acne, and skin of color. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2022 But be sure not to point the laser at the cat’s eyes. Shirley Macfarland, cleveland, 14 Sep. 2022 Not only can parts of the dash and doors be wrapped in leather-like materials, and other trim pieces wear a racy carbon-weave pattern, but all of the plastics are laser etched with a fine grain that looks more upscale. Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 14 Sep. 2022 By the time officials flagged four times for 33 yards in 26 plays, little seemingly had changed despite the new staff’s laser focus on curtailing mental errors. Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Sep. 2022 Physicist Charles Townes, whose work led to the laser’s invention, thought lasers would be a better basis for interstellar communication and thus the optimal focus for SETI work. Lee Billings, Scientific American, 6 Sep. 2022 Fresh off a euphoric, laser-laden performance of the entire second side of The Dark Side of the Moon, Waters chided the U.S. and NATO for not ending the war in Ukraine. Joe Lynch, Billboard, 1 Sep. 2022 To make attaching each shelf easier, use a level or laser level to mark the full length of the stud. Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2022 That shot is now laser-engraved on Brandon’s headstone. Michael Tobin, Fox News, 25 Aug. 2022
Verb
Their goal is to destroy the weapon the Soviets are using to laser a hole into the Upside Down to somehow harness the monsters therein for war or whatever. Helena Andrews-dyer, Washington Post, 27 May 2022 The medspa offers everything from Botox and hydrafacials to laser hair removal and peels. John-john Williams Iv, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2022 And that brings us to laser hair removal, a popular semi-permanent option that damages hair follicles to minimize hair growth. Jessica Cruel, SELF, 25 Jan. 2022 After trying many other tactics to get rid of the crows, the town is now moving to laser pointers. Justin Ray, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2022 Rather, resources can laser focused on enforcing its community standards against crime, bullying, and other negative social behavior, a win-win for society and for Facebook’s reputation. Nelson Granados, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2021 Jonn Edmunds and his friends grew up playing with water guns, then laser tag in the family’s big yard. Mead Gruver, Thomas Peipert, Anchorage Daily News, 11 Sep. 2021 This isn’t the first time JVC has turned to laser lighting for a projector; that honor belongs to the high-end DLA-RS4500 (DLA-Z1 in Europe) launched way back in 2017. John Archer, Forbes, 2 Sep. 2021 With a wide array of specimens and artifacts, the museum chronicles the history and practice of medicine, from leeches to laser surgery.Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2021 See More
Word History
Etymology
Noun
light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation