aspheric
|a-spher-ic|
/eɪˈsfɛrɪk/
not spherical / non-spherical surface
Etymology
'aspheric' is formed from the prefix 'a-' (privative 'not') + 'spheric', ultimately from 'sphere' which traces back to Greek 'sphaira' meaning 'ball'.
'sphaira' (Greek) → 'sphaera' (Latin) → 'sphere' (English) → adjective-forming element 'spheric' + privative 'a-' produced 'aspheric' in modern usage, especially in technical/optical contexts.
Originally based on the literal sense 'not spherical,' the term retained that basic meaning but became specialized in optics to describe non-spherical lens or mirror surfaces.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not spherical; having a shape that is not that of a sphere.
The decorative mirror was intentionally aspheric to create distorted reflections.
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Adjective 2
(Optics) Having a surface profile that is not part of a sphere, used to reduce aberrations in lenses or mirrors.
Many modern camera lenses include aspheric elements to improve sharpness and reduce coma.
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Last updated: 2025/10/31 06:56