spyglass
/'spaiglɑ:s/
Definition
Noun: A small, portable refracting telescope, typically used with one hand to magnify distant objects for terrestrial observation.
Examples
- The sailor used his spyglass to spot land on the horizon.
- She brought a spyglass to the birdwatching event for a closer look at the eagles.
- In historical films, a captain often peers through a brass spyglass.
Advanced Usage
- "To train one's spyglass on something": To point a spyglass at a specific object or area to observe it closely.
- The naturalist trained his spyglass on the rare bird's nest.
Variants and Related Words
- Telescope (n): A general term for an optical instrument designed to make distant objects appear nearer. A spyglass is a specific, simple type of telescope.
- Monocular (n): A compact, low-magnification optical device for viewing with one eye, similar to a modern spyglass.
- Hand telescope (n): Another term for a small telescope held in the hand, synonymous with spyglass.
Synonyms
- Handheld telescope
- Terrestrial telescope (when used for viewing objects on Earth, as opposed to celestial bodies)
Related Idioms
- "Through the spyglass of history/time": A metaphorical phrase meaning to view or consider something from a historical perspective.
- When viewed through the spyglass of history, the event takes on a different significance.
Noun
-
a small refracting telescope
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