Did you know that “laser” is an acronym? People are amazed after discovering what the word stands for
- The word laser is actually an acronym
- It stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
People have “questioned everything” after discovering that the word “laser” is actually an acronym.
Laser stands for ‘Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation’ and has been used to describe the technology since it was developed in the 1950s.
It is used so often that many people never question the complicated scientific meaning behind the name.
In fact, hundreds seemed shocked after reading the revelation on Reddit.
“Wait what?” one person asked while another laughed, “Yeah, you wouldn’t want to say ‘hey, do you have light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation?’ to someone else.’
People are shocked to discover that the word laser is an acronym that stands for ‘Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation’.
“If you make an acronym and the L stands for laser, you technically have an acronym in your acronym,” a third commented.
While others claimed it was “common knowledge.”
Some said they were skeptical as the word is spelled with a ‘z’ instead of an ‘s’ in some countries.
“It’s hard to believe because when I was young, laser was also known as laZer (in France for the Z sound),” someone wrote.
While others admitted it put arguments over the spelling to bed.
“Spelling it with az or using lase as a verb irritates me,” someone said.
The term “laser” was coined in the 1950s when the technology was developed in its early stages by Charles H. Townes and Arthur Shawlow.
It’s an adaptation of masers, another acronym meaning “Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.”
Some shared other words that many don’t realize are acronyms, including taser, radar, and scuba.
Laser is not the only word that is an acronym as other users have mentioned the terms as having hidden meanings.
“Taser” and “laser” are both acronyms: TASER stands for “Thomas A. Swift’s Electric Rifle,” one person commented.
‘Speaking of abbreviations, the word RADAR is another word, it stands for Radio Detection and Ranging. Not sure why they kept the A from Radio in it, but thought it fit well here,” added a second.
“SCUBA: Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus,” wrote another.
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