A device that produces a highly concentrated, high-energy beam of light through stimulated emission. Lasers are used in many areas such as medicine, industry, and consumer electronics.
example
Der Chirurg benutzte einen Laser, um die Operation präzise durchzuführen.
The surgeon used a laser to perform the operation precisely.
Usage tips
Productive word formation
The word 'Laser' (laser) is used as the first part of many compound nouns to describe a technology. Examples are 'Laserdrucker' (laser printer), 'Lasershow' (laser show), or 'Laserstrahl' (laser beam).
EXAMPLE
Mein neuer Laserdrucker ist viel schneller als der alte.
My new laser printer is much faster than the old one.
Word origin
'Laser' is an acronym, meaning a word formed from the initial letters of a longer description. It comes from English: 'Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation'.
EXAMPLE
Die Laser-Technologie wurde in der Mitte des 20. Jahrhunderts entwickelt.
Laser technology was developed in the middle of the 20th century.
Typical areas of use
'Laser' (laser) is often used with verbs that describe a precise action. Typical contexts are medicine ('mit dem Laser operieren' — to operate with a laser), industry ('mit Laser schneiden' — to cut with a laser), and measurement technology ('die Entfernung lasern' — to laser-measure the distance).
EXAMPLE
In der Fabrik werden die Metallplatten mit einem Laser geschnitten.
In the factory, the metal plates are cut with a laser.