Aspheric

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Having a shape that deviates from a perfect sphere, often used to describe lenses or surfaces
2. Describes an object or surface that is not curved uniformly like a sphere, improving optical performance
3. Refers to forms that are not round in all directions, commonly applied in optics to reduce distortion

Etymology: "Aspheric" is a plain technical formation: the prefix "a-" joined to "spheric," which is itself derived from "sphere." The prefix comes from Greek "a-," meaning "not" or "without," so the combined sense is "not spherical." In optics, a lens or mirror shaped by a curve that departs from a true sphere can focus light more precisely and reduce distortion, which is why the term became standard in lens design.