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Glite Dictionary
aspheric

aspheric

9.4
A surface that is not perfectly round used for lenses or mirrors
  • adjective
  • /æˈsfɛrɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : asférico
  • The designer chose an aspheric mirror to enhance the performance of the optical system.

Examples

  • The camera's aspheric lens helps capture sharp images without distortions.

  • Software correction is just one more tool in the arsenal, and it is no more inherently objectionable than, say, aspheric or diffractive lens elements.

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  • Many high-quality microscopes use aspheric lenses to improve clarity and detail.

Synonyms

spheroidal
vsaspheric
1 7.6

Having the shape of a ball or an egg and almost round

focuses on small surface deviation and is used especially for optical surfaces
aspherical
vsaspheric
  • Specialized
8.2

A lens or mirror not perfectly round to make images clearer

is the alternative technical form used for the same slight deviation in optics
nonspherical
vsaspheric
6.6

Not shaped like a ball

refers only to slight deviations, often used for lens or mirror surfaces

Antonyms

spherical
18 4.2

Round like a ball

How Spherical

spherical
18 4.2
aspheric
  • Specialized
9.4

Surface Forms

aspheric positive

Morphology

aspheric = spheric (semi-transparent) = a + sphere + ic

The meaning 'not spheric' is fairly clear, but the negative prefix 'a-' and the uncommon base adjective 'spheric' make the derivation less obvious for many learners.

Etymology

Aspheric comes from the small part a- meaning 'not' and spheric from sphere, which is like a round 'ball'. So aspheric means 'not perfectly round', which is why we call lenses or mirrors 'aspheric' when their surface is a little different from a perfect sphere.