Laser vs. Light — What's the Difference?

An acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

Electromagnetic radiation detectable by the human eye.

A device that produces a concentrated beam of coherent light.

Light or visible light is electromagnetic radiation within the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is perceived by the human eye. Visible light is usually defined as having wavelengths in the range of 400–700 nanometres (nm), between the infrared (with longer wavelengths) and the ultraviolet (with shorter wavelengths).

Light with a single wavelength, or monochromatic.

The natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible

A high-intensity source of light used in various applications.

An expression in someone's eyes indicating a particular emotion or mood

A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. The word "laser" is an acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation".

Understanding of a problem or mystery; enlightenment

Any of several devices that emit highly amplified and coherent radiation of one or more discrete wavelengths. One of the most common lasers makes use of atoms in a metastable energy state, which, as they decay to a lower energy level, stimulate others to decay, resulting in a cascade of emitted radiation.

An area of something that is brighter or paler than its surroundings

A beam of radiation emitted by a laser.

A device used to produce a flame or spark

(Sports)A ball or puck sent in a straight line at high speed

A window or opening to let light in

A device that produces a monochromatic, coherent beam of light.

A person eminent in a particular sphere of activity

A beam of light produced by such a device; a laser beam.

(in a crossword puzzle) a blank space to be filled by a letter.

A laser printer.

Provide with light or lighting; illuminate

A gum resin obtained from certain umbelliferous plants.

Make (something) start burning; ignite

Such a plant.

Come upon or discover by chance

To cut with a laser.

Descend

(sports) To throw or kick with laser-like precision.

Having a considerable or sufficient amount of natural light; not dark

A device which produces an intense, usually narrow, monochromatic beam of coherent light; called also optical maser. It has various forms, and is used in various applications in science and technology. The beam is produced by boosting the majority of the electrons in specific radiation-absorbing atoms in a medium into a higher energy level, from which they are stimulated by their own emitted radiation to drop back synchronously to their lower energy level, and emit light which is in phase (coherent).

(of a colour) pale

An acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation; an optical device that produces an intense monochromatic beam of coherent light

Of little weight; not heavy

A focused and directional form of light.

Not strongly or heavily built or made

Relatively low in density, amount, or intensity

(of food or a meal) small in quantity and easy to digest

Gentle or delicate

(of entertainment) requiring little mental effort; not profound or serious

(of a woman) having many casual sexual encounters or relationships.

Electromagnetic radiation that is visible, perceivable by the normal human eye as colors between red and violet, having frequencies between 400 terahertz and 790 terahertz and wavelengths between 750 nanometers and 380 nanometers. Also called visible light.

Electromagnetic radiation of any frequency or wavelength.

The sensation of perceiving light; brightness

A source of light, especially a lamp, a lantern, or an electric lighting fixture

The illumination derived from a source of light

The particular quantity or quality of such illumination

The pathway or route of such illumination to a person

A source of fire, such as a match or cigarette lighter.

A mechanical device that uses illumination as a signal or warning, especially a beacon or traffic signal.

Daylight.

Dawn; daybreak.

Something, such as a window, that admits illumination.

(Architecture) One of two or more openings in a window divided by a mullion or mullions.

Something that provides information or clarification

A state of awareness or understanding, especially as derived from a particular source

Public attention; general knowledge

Spiritual awareness; illumination.

A way of looking at or considering a matter; an aspect

(Archaic) Eyesight.

Lights One's individual opinions, choices, or standards

A person who inspires or is adored by another

A prominent or distinguished person; a luminary

An expression of the eyes

Lights Pieces of laundry that are not dark in color.

Light In Quaker doctrine, the guiding spirit or divine presence in each person.

To set on fire; ignite or kindle

To cause to give out light; make luminous

To provide, cover, or fill with light; illuminate

To signal, direct, or guide with light

To enliven or animate

To start to burn; be ignited or kindled

To emit light; be lighted

To get down, as from a vehicle or horse; dismount.

To descend to the ground after flight; land.

To come upon one unexpectedly

To come upon by chance or accident. Used with on or upon

Having a greater rather than lesser degree of lightness.

Of or being an additive primary color.

Characterized by or filled with light; bright

Not dark in color; fair

Served with milk or cream. Used of coffee.

Of relatively little weight; not heavy

Of relatively little weight for its size or bulk

Of less than the correct, standard, or legal weight

Designed for ease and quickness of movement; having a structure that is slim and has little weight for its type or class

Designed to carry relatively little weight

Carrying little equipment or armament

Requiring relatively little equipment and using relatively simple processes to produce consumer goods

Exerting little force or impact; gentle

Indistinct; faint

Low in quantity or intensity

Consuming or using relatively moderate amounts; abstemious

Not harsh or severe

Moving easily and quickly; nimble

Easy to perform or accomplish; requiring little effort

Easy to bear or endure

Having little importance; insignificant

Intended primarily as entertainment and lacking serious or weighty content

Not solemn or serious

Free from worries or troubles; blithe

Mildly dizzy or faint

Easily awakened or disturbed

Easily digested

Containing a relatively small amount of a potentially harmful ingredient, such as alcohol, fat, or sodium

Having a spongy or flaky texture; well-leavened

Having a loose, porous consistency

Of, relating to, or being a syllable ending in a short vowel or a short vowel plus a consonant.

Of, relating to, or being a vowel or syllable pronounced with little or no stress.

In a light manner; lightly.

With little weight and few burdens

Visible electromagnetic radiation. The human eye can typically detect radiation (light) in the wavelength range of about 400 to 750 nanometers. Nearby shorter and longer wavelength ranges, although not visible, are commonly called ultraviolet and infrared light.

A source of illumination.

(figurative) Spiritual or mental illumination; enlightenment, useful information.

Facts; pieces of information; ideas, concepts.

A notable person within a specific field or discipline.

(painting) The manner in which the light strikes a picture; that part of a picture which represents those objects upon which the light is supposed to fall; the more illuminated part of a landscape or other scene; opposed to shade.

A point of view, or aspect from which a concept, person or thing is regarded.

A flame or something used to create fire.

A firework made by filling a case with a substance which burns brilliantly with a white or coloured flame.

A window in architecture, carriage design, or motor car design: either the opening itself or the window pane of glass that fills it, if any.

The series of squares reserved for the answer to a crossword clue.

(informal) A cross-light in a double acrostic or triple acrostic.

Open view; a visible state or condition; public observation; publicity.

The power of perception by vision.

The brightness of the eye or eyes.

A traffic light, or, by extension, an intersection controlled by one or more that will face a traveler who is receiving instructions.

(curling) A stone that is not thrown hard enough.

See lungs.

A low-alcohol lager.

(transitive) To start (a fire).

(transitive) To set fire to; to set burning.

(transitive) To illuminate; to provide light for when it is dark.

(intransitive) To become ignited; to take fire.

To attend or conduct with a light; to show the way to by means of a light.

To make (a bonus) available to be collected by hitting a target, and thus light up the feature light corresponding to that bonus to indicate its availability.

(nautical) To unload a ship, or to jettison material to make it lighter

To lighten; to ease of a burden; to take off.

To find by chance.

To stop upon of eyes or a glance; to notice

(archaic) To alight; to land or come down.

Having light; bright; clear; not dark or obscure.

Pale or whitish in color; highly luminous and more or less deficient in chroma.

(of coffee) Served with extra milk or cream.

Having little or relatively little actual weight; not cumbrous or unwieldy.

Having little weight as compared with bulk; of little density or specific gravity.

Of short or insufficient weight; weighing less than the legal, standard, or proper amount; clipped or diminished.

Lacking that which burdens or makes heavy.

Free from burden or impediment; unencumbered.

Lightly built; typically designed for speed or small loads.

(military) Not heavily armed; armed with light weapons.

Riding high because of no cargo; by extension, pertaining to a ship which is light.

Without any piece of equipment attached or attached only to a caboose.

With low viscosity.

(cookery) Not heavy or soggy; spongy; well raised.

Low in fat, calories, alcohol, salt, etc.

Slight, not forceful or intense; small in amount or intensity.

Gentle; having little force or momentum.

Easy to endure or perform.

Unimportant, trivial, having little value or significance.

(obsolete) Unchaste, wanton.

Not encumbered; unembarrassed; clear of impediments; hence, active; nimble; swift.

(dated) Easily influenced by trifling considerations; unsteady; unsettled; volatile.

Indulging in, or inclined to, levity; lacking dignity or solemnity; frivolous; airy.

Not quite sound or normal; somewhat impaired or deranged; dizzy; giddy.

Easily interrupted by stimulation.

Carrying little.

That agent, force, or action in nature by the operation of which upon the organs of sight, objects are rendered visible or luminous.

That which furnishes, or is a source of, light, as the sun, a star, a candle, a lighthouse, etc.

The time during which the light of the sun is visible; day; especially, the dawn of day.

The brightness of the eye or eyes.

The medium through which light is admitted, as a window, or window pane; a skylight; in architecture, one of the compartments of a window made by a mullion or mullions.

Life; existence.

Open view; a visible state or condition; public observation; publicity.

The power of perception by vision.

That which illumines or makes clear to the mind; mental or spiritual illumination; enlightenment; knowledge; information.

Prosperity; happiness; joy; felicity.

The manner in which the light strikes upon a picture; that part of a picture which represents those objects upon which the light is supposed to fall; the more illuminated part of a landscape or other scene; - opposed to shade. Cf. Chiaroscuro.

Appearance due to the particular facts and circumstances presented to view; point of view; as, to state things fairly and put them in the right light.

One who is conspicuous or noteworthy; a model or example; as, the lights of the age or of antiquity.

A firework made by filling a case with a substance which burns brilliantly with a white or colored flame; as, a Bengal light.

Having light; not dark or obscure; bright; clear; as, the apartment is light.

White or whitish; not intense or very marked; not of a deep shade; moderately colored; as, a light color; a light brown; a light complexion.

Having little, or comparatively little, weight; not tending to be the center of gravity with force; not heavy.

Not burdensome; easy to be lifted, borne, or carried by physical strength; as, a light burden, or load.

Easy to be endured or performed; not severe; not difficult; as, a light affliction or task.

Easy to be digested; not oppressive to the stomach; as, light food; also, containing little nutriment.

Not heavily armed; armed with light weapons; as, light troops; a troop of light horse.

Not encumbered; unembarrassed; clear of impediments; hence, active; nimble; swift.

Not heavily burdened; not deeply laden; not sufficiently ballasted; as, the ship returned light.

Slight; not important; as, a light error.

Well leavened; not heavy; as, light bread.

Not copious or heavy; not dense; not inconsiderable; as, a light rain; a light snow; light vapors.

Not strong or violent; moderate; as, a light wind.

Not pressing heavily or hard upon; hence, having an easy, graceful manner; delicate; as, a light touch; a light style of execution.

Easy to admit influence; inconsiderate; easily influenced by trifling considerations; unsteady; unsettled; volatile; as, a light, vain person; a light mind.

Indulging in, or inclined to, levity; wanting dignity or solemnity; trifling; gay; frivolous; airy; unsubstantial.

Not quite sound or normal; somewhat impaired or deranged; dizzy; giddy.

Easily bestowed; inconsiderately rendered.

Wanton; unchaste; as, a woman of light character.

Not of the legal, standard, or usual weight; clipped; diminished; as, light coin.

Loose; sandy; easily pulverized; as, a light soil.

To set fire to; to cause to burn; to set burning; to ignite; to kindle; as, to light a candle or lamp; to light the gas; - sometimes with up.

To give light to; to illuminate; to fill with light; to spread over with light; - often with up.

To attend or conduct with a light; to show the way to by means of a light.

To become ignited; to take fire; as, the match will not light.

To be illuminated; to receive light; to brighten; - with up; as, the room light up very well.

To lighten; to ease of a burden; to take off.

To dismount; to descend, as from a horse or carriage; to alight; - with from, off, on, upon, at, in.

To feel light; to be made happy.

To descend from flight, and rest, perch, or settle, as a bird or insect.

To come down suddenly and forcibly; to fall; - with on or upon.

To come by chance; to happen; - with on or upon; formerly with into.

Lightly; cheaply.

(physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation;

Any device serving as a source of illumination;

A particular perspective or aspect of a situation;

The quality of being luminous; emitting or reflecting light;

An illuminated area;

A condition of spiritual awareness; divine illumination;

The visual effect of illumination on objects or scenes as created in pictures;

A person regarded very fondly;

Mental understanding as an enlightening experience;

Having abundant light or illumination;

Public awareness;

Brightness and animation of countenance;

A divine presence believed by Quakers to enlighten and guide the soul

A visual warning signal;

A device for lighting or igniting fuel or charges or fires;

Make lighter or brighter;

Begin to smoke;

To come to rest, settle;

Cause to start burning; subject to fire or great heat;

Fall to somebody by assignment or lot;

Get off (a horse)

Of comparatively little physical weight or density;

(used of color) having a relatively small amount of coloring agent;

Of the military or industry; using (or being) relatively small or light arms or equipment;

Not great in degree or quantity or number;

Psychologically light; especially free from sadness or troubles;

Characterized by or emitting light;

Used of vowels or syllables; pronounced with little or no stress;

Easily assimilated in the alimentary canal; not rich or heavily seasoned;

(used of soil) loose and large-grained in consistency;

(of sound or color) free from anything that dulls or dims;

Moving easily and quickly; nimble;

Demanding little effort; not burdensome;

Of little intensity or power or force;

(physics, chemistry) not having atomic weight greater than average;

Weak and likely to lose consciousness;

Very thin and insubstantial;

Marked by temperance in indulgence;

Less than the correct or legal or full amount often deliberately so;

Having little importance;

Intended primarily as entertainment; not serious or profound;

Silly or trivial;

Having a spongy or flaky texture; well-leavened;

Designed for ease of movement or to carry little weight;

Having relatively few calories;

(of sleep) easily disturbed;

Casual and unrestrained in sexual behavior;

With few burdens;

The natural agent that stimulates sight.

A form of energy that makes things visible.

A broad range of electromagnetic radiation.

Lasers are used in various specialized applications like surgery, manufacturing, and communications.

Yes, laser is a specific and focused form of light.

A laser is a device that produces a concentrated, coherent beam of light.

No, light is generally incoherent and diffuse, unlike laser light.

Laser light is usually monochromatic, meaning it has a single wavelength.

Light is electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye.

Light can include multiple wavelengths and can be polychromatic.

Light can be either natural, like sunlight, or artificial, like a light bulb.

Light can be focused to some extent but not as precisely as a laser.

Laser light is more focused due to its coherence and directionality.

LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

Yes, light is essential for vision as it stimulates the sense of sight.

Yes, light is a form of electromagnetic energy.

Laser light is generated by stimulated emission of photons in a controlled environment.

Yes, laser light can be dangerous if it is high-intensity and improperly handled.