Word: Laser

Pronunciation

/ˈleɪzər/

Definitions

• Noun: A device that emits a highly concentrated beam of light produced by the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation, typically in the visible or infrared part of the spectrum. This intense beam can be precisely focused and used for various applications such as cutting, welding, drilling, communication, printing, surgery, and more. Example: “The surgeon used a laser to correct the patient’s vision.”
• Verb: (less commonly used) To treat or cut with a laser beam. Example: “The dentist lasered the decay from the tooth.”

Phrases

• “Laser surgery” refers to medical procedures where lasers are used to cut or reshape tissue.
• “Laser pointer” is a small handheld device that emits a low-powered laser beam for use in presentations or as a pointing tool.
• “Laser-focused” is an adjective phrase used metaphorically to describe extreme concentration or precision in one’s efforts or attention. Example: “She was laser-focused on her goal to become CEO.”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The security system uses a laser grid to detect intruders.”
• Verb: “They decided to laser engrave their names onto the wedding rings.”

Synonyms

• Optical maser (archaic)
• Beam (informal, referring to the emitted light)
• Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (LASER; the scientific term from which ‘laser’ is derived)

Note: As a verb, ‘laser’ doesn’t have many direct synonyms since it refers to the specific action of using a laser device. However, when used metaphorically (e.g., “to laser-focus”), synonyms might include concentrate, focus intensely, target sharply, etc.