collimated
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //ˈkɒlɪmeɪtɪd//
KK: /kɑːlɪmeɪtɪd/
adjective
Definition
Describing light beams that are parallel to each other, resulting in a flat wavefront.
Example
The laser emitted a collimated beam of light that traveled long distances without spreading out.
Conversation
Have you ever seen a laser show where the lights are perfectly collimated?
Yeah, it creates such a stunning effect with those parallel beams.
Exactly! I love how the colors blend when the light is collimated just right.
It really makes the whole experience feel so much more immersive.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
parallel
aligned
focused
Antonyms
divergent
scattered
dispersed
verb
Definition
To align or focus light or other waves into a parallel beam.
Example
The laser beam was collimated to ensure it traveled straight over a long distance.
Tense Forms
Past: collimated
Past Participle: collimated
Conversation
Did you manage to fix the telescope last night?
Yeah, I collimated it perfectly, and now it works great!
That's awesome! I can’t wait to see the stars clearly.
Root Explanation
Collimated → It is formed from "col-" (from Latin "com-", meaning together) and "limare" (meaning to trim or to limit). The word "collimated" refers to light rays that are made parallel or directed together, as if they have been trimmed to a specific direction.
Memory Tip
Think of light rays being directed 'together' ('col-') in a straight line, as if they have been 'trimmed' ('limare') to focus in one direction.
Visually Confused Words
climate
uncollated
decollated
corollated
columnated