adjective
- of or relating to an optical system that uses both refraction (through lenses) and reflection (from mirrors) to focus light
Usage: technical; optics
Examples
- A catadioptric telescope combines mirrors and lenses to achieve a compact design.
- The catadioptric system in the camera lens improves image quality and reduces aberrations.
- Catadioptric reflectors are commonly used in automotive headlights.
- The observatory installed a new catadioptric instrument for astronomical observations.
- Catadioptric optics allow for a shorter focal length in the same optical power.