'optics' originates from Greek via Latin and New Latin; specifically from Greek 'optikós' (ὀπτικός), where the root 'opt-' (ὀπτ-) meant 'seen' or 'sight'.

'optics' entered English from Late Latin/New Latin 'optica' and Medieval/Modern Latin forms; it developed through scientific Latin and was used in English from the early 17th century to denote the study of vision and light.

Initially it referred to 'the doctrine or science of vision' (closely matching the original sense of sight), and over time it broadened to include optical instruments and figurative senses about appearance or public perception.