collimate

Definition

To focus into a narrow beam or column; to adjust a focusing device so that it produces a narrow beam.

Etymology

First attested in 1623; borrowed from Latin collimātus, perfect passive participle of collīmō (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), itself originating from a misreading of collīniō, collīneō.

Example Sentences

• "Lead bricks were placed around the radioactive source so that the escaping gamma rays would be limited to a collimated beam rather than filling the lab."
• "I need to collimate my telescope so that the images are clearer."
• "However, after a bit of experience, the collimating chore can become routine.[…]Of course, if manufacturers made telescopes whose optics did not move around, you would only have to collimate a telescope once."

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