what does laser stand for? Hundreds blown away after discovering a common word is an acronym

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 any light amplification from stimulated emission of radiation?” to someone else.’

People are shocked to find out that the word laser is an acronym that stands for ‘Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation’.

Survey

Did you know that the word laser is an acronym?

  • Yes and I remembered what it stands for 360 votes
  • Yes, but I couldn’t remember what it stood for 304 votes
  • No 234 votes

“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.

Seven words you probably didn’t know were acronyms

  1. Laser: light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation
  2. Scuba diving: self-contained underwater breathing apparatus
  3. Radar: RADio detection and range
  4. GIF: Graphics Interchange Format
  5. Taser: Thomas A fast electric gun
  6. Care package: Cooperative for Help and Help Everywhere
  7. Spam: spiced ham

Source: BBC

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.