Optoelectronics
/ˌɒp.təʊ.ɪˌlekˈtrɒn.ɪks/noun
The branch of technology that deals with devices or systems that produce, detect, or control light and electricity.
Did you know?Optoelectronics is a modern scientific compound, but its two roots are ancient: Greek ops- meant “to see,” while elektron meant “amber,” the stone that gave us the word electricity after its static charge was noticed.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*okw-
“to see, look”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ops, opt-
“eye, sight”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ēlektron
“amber”
19th Century
English
optical + electronic
“relating to light and to electrons/electricity”
20th Century
English
optoelectronic
“combining light-based and electronic technology”
Modern English
English
optoelectronics
“the study and use of devices that convert, detect, or control light with electronics”
Explore more surprising origins