/ Dictionary / Index A adaptive optics: Meaning and Definition of Find definitions for: adap'tive op'tics Pronunciation: [key] the branch of optics that compensates for image distortions, esp. by means of flexible mirrors or membranes. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease. adaptive adaptive radiation Related Content Daily Word Quiz: verbose Analogy of the Day: Today’s Analogy Spelling Bee: Today’s Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language