Words at Play : Top 10 User-Submitted Words, Vol. 7
Definition:
(noun) : appearance; esp.: the way that the public understands a public or political decision
Example:
"Explaining why he rose to help [Gabrielle Giffords] stand for every ovation she offered President Obama during his speech, even when it meant he was the only Republican on his feet, Rep. Jeff Flake said that the optics just didn't matter to him: 'After sitting next to an empty seat last year, I couldn't be happier to have Gabby back in the House chamber for this year's State of the Union speech...'" – Dahlia Lithwick, Slate.com, January 25, 2012
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