laser
Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
laser/ˈleɪzə(r)/
▶noun a device that generates an intense narrow beam of coherent monochromatic light by stimulating the emission of photons from excited atoms or molecules.
– origin 1960s: acronym from light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, based on the earlier maser.
'laser' also found in these Oxford entries:
acronym
- compact disc
- detune
- hologram
- keratectomy
- lase
- laser printer
- lidar
- maser
- phase-lock
- photodynamic
- stereolithography
- taser
- wand
