-ics, -tics [-ac after i](Greek: a suffix that forms nouns and is usually used to form names of arts and sciences)2. The branch of linguistics that explores how the brain encodes language. 3. The branch of medical science concerned with the neuroanatomical basis of speech and its disorders. 2. Popularly referred to as "smart drugs," they are substances which boost human cognitive abilities (the functions and capacities of the brain). Typically, nootropics work by increasing the brain's supply of neurochemicals (neurotransmitters, enzymes, and hormones), by improving the brain's oxygen supply, or by stimulating nerve growth. With a few notable exceptions, nootropics have very low or no toxicity, making overdose unlikely. Most have few or no side effects, and many nootropics potentiate each other. 2. Etymology: from about 1819, from obstetric, 1742; from Modern Latin obstetricus, "pertaining to a midwife"; from obstetrix (genitive of obstetricis), "midwife". Literally, "one who stands opposite (the woman giving birth)"; from obstare, "to stand opposite to". 2. The study of the origin, history, and use of proper names. 2. A reference to ocular therapeutics. 2. When referring to a singular noun, it means, the study of light or electromagnetic radiation in the visible, infrared, and ultraviolet regions. 3. As a plural noun, it refers to instruments used for detecting electromagnetic radiation and for attaining highly accurate long-range vision.