visual acuity

noun

: the relative ability of the visual organ to resolve detail that is usually expressed as the reciprocal of the minimum angular separation in minutes of two lines just resolvable as separate and that forms in the average human eye an angle of one minute

Examples of visual acuity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In tests of visual acuity in the damaged eye, the majority of patients regained some sight, with some advancing from legally blind to low vision. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 8 Mar. 2025 Around two-thirds of astronauts on long missions to the ISS experience changes in visual acuity, particularly for close-up vision. Neil Savage, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2025 And, as the SISSA research suggests, AI seemingly struggles to match the visual acuity of rats. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 30 Jan. 2025 Discomfort and disability from intense, blue-rich LED lighting can decrease visual acuity and safety, resulting in concerns and creating a road hazard. Noël Fletcher, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for visual acuity

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of visual acuity was in 1866

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Cite this Entry

“Visual acuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visual%20acuity. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

visual acuity

noun
: the relative ability of the visual organ to resolve detail that is usually expressed as the reciprocal of the minimum angular separation in minutes of two lines just resolvable as separate and that forms in the average human eye an angle of one minute compare minimum separable, minimum visible

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