catoptric, a. (n.)
(kæˈtɒptrɪk)
[ad. Gr. κατοπτρικός of or in a mirror, f. κάτοπτρον mirror, f. κατά against + ὀπ- see + -τρον suffix of instrument.]
A. adj. Relating to a mirror or reflector, or to optical reflexion.
| a 1774 Goldsm. Surv. Exp. Philos. (1776) II. 340 There have been catoptric instruments formed for the amusement of philosophers. 1779 Phil. Trans. LXIX. 425 The telescope to which the catoptric micrometer is applied. 1831 Brewster Optics xli. 338 This catoptric lens, as it may be called. 1838 Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc. I. 97 The catoptric examination of the eye. 1862 Ansted Channel Isl. i. ii. 33 The light-houses each having a catoptric light of the first order. 1867–77 G. Chambers Astron. vii. i. 606. |
B. n.
1. pl. catoptrics (formerly in sing.): That part of Optics which treats of reflexion.
| 1570 Dee Math. Præf. 20 That part hereof, which dealeth with Glasses..is called Catoptrike. 1587 Golding De Mornay xxv. 447 He must gather together the Beames of the Skie in a mirrour, which they call Alchemusie, according to the rules of Catoptrik. 1667 Phil. Trans. II. 626 The Catoptricks, that have for their object, Rays Reflected. 1700 Gregory in Collect. (Oxf. Hist. Soc.) I. 321 Catoptricks and Dioptricks. Where the effects of Mirrors and glasses are shewed. 1864 Burton Scot Abr. II. i. 126. |
† 2. An instrument or apparatus for producing effects by reflexion. Obs.
| 1621 Burton Anat. Mel. i. iii. iii. (1651) 211 'Tis ordinarie to see strange uncouth figures by Catoptricks. 1644 Evelyn Diary 8 Nov., With Dutch patience, he shew'd us his perpetual motions, catoptrics, magnetical experiments. |