Definition

Noun: * Opera glasses: A small, handheld optical instrument, typically a pair of low-magnification binoculars, designed for use in theaters, opera houses, or other venues to view distant stage performances more closely. They are characterized by being compact, often elegant, and intended for simultaneous use by both eyes.

Usage

Opera glasses are used specifically to enhance the viewing experience of live performances from a distance. They are not designed for general-purpose or long-distance viewing like standard binoculars.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She raised her opera glasses to get a better look at the lead singer's expression.
  • Before the performance began, he adjusted the focus on his antique opera glasses.
  • These opera glasses have a beautiful mother-of-pearl finish.

Advanced Usage

• The term is a compound noun where "opera" specifies the primary context of use, and "glasses" refers to the dual-lens optical device. The meaning is fixed and refers to the specific object.
• While historically associated with opera, they are commonly used in all types of theaters and performance halls.

Variants and Related Words

• Theater glasses: A near-synonymous term, emphasizing use in a theater rather than specifically an opera house.
• Binoculars: A broader category of handheld, dual-telescope optical instruments, which includes opera glasses as a specific subtype designed for short-range, cultural events.
• Lorgnette: A different type of elegant, handheld optical device, often with a handle, used for similar purposes but typically having a single lens or pair of lenses mounted on a handle rather than a binocular-style frame.

Synonyms

• Theater binoculars
• Theater glasses

Related Phrases

• To train one's opera glasses on someone/something: To point and focus one's opera glasses toward a specific person or area on the stage.
  • The audience member trained her opera glasses on the soloist during the aria.

Noun

1. an optical instrument designed for simultaneous use by both eyes