laser
UK[ˈleɪzə(r)]US[ˈleɪzər]
n
A device that produces a powerful, narrow beam of light of a single colour, used in medical operations, to cut metals, to send signals, etc.
n
The beam of light produced by such a device.
Etymology
The word 'laser' is a modern scientific acronym, coined in 1959. It was formed from the initial letters of the technical description "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation." This process of creating new words from acronyms is a productive feature of modern English, especially in technical fields. The term successfully transitioned from a specialized technical term into common vocabulary, naming both the device and the beam of light it produces.
Analysis
This word is an acronym, not formed from classical morphemes. It stands for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation."
Examples
The surgeon used a laser to remove the patient's tattoo.
The concert featured spectacular laser lights cutting through the dark sky.
Barcode scanners at the supermarket checkout use a low-power laser.