la|ser

la|ser «LAY zuhr», noun, verb.

–n.

1. a device that produces a very narrow and intense beam of light of only one wavelength going in only one direction; optical maser. Laser beams are used to cut or melt hard materials, remove diseased body tissues, and transmit television signals, among other functions: »

The laser…generates energy so intense that it can bore a sixteenth of an inch hole in the sapphire in a thousandth of a second (Science News Letter).

2. »

Figurative. He brought down the house with the laser wit that has constantly amused his large crowds (Time).

–v.i.

to act as a laser; lase.

–v.t.

to strike with, or as though with, a laser: »

A powerful mainframe lasers a game-playing hacker's hero simulation to atoms (Kate Wilhelm).

╂[< l(ight) a(mplification by) s(timulated) e(mission of) r(adiation)]

laser-,

combining form.

1. done with, or involving the use of, a laser: »

laser-angioplasty = angioplasty involving the use of a laser.

2. by means of a laser: »

laser-guided = guided by means of a laser.