Definition

Noun: A telescopic sight is an optical device mounted on a firearm, such as a rifle, to magnify the target and provide an aiming point, thereby improving accuracy over long distances. It functions as a small, integrated telescope.

Usage

A telescopic sight is used for precise aiming. It is attached to a firearm, and the user looks through it to see a magnified view of the target, often with a reticle (crosshairs or a dot) to indicate the point of impact. - The hunter attached a new telescopic sight to his rifle for the deer season. - For long-range target shooting, a high-quality telescopic sight is essential.

Advanced Usage

• "to zero a telescopic sight": To adjust the sight so that the point of aim matches the point of impact at a specific distance.
  • Before the competition, he spent an hour at the range to zero his telescopic sight.

Variants and Related Words

• Scope (n): A common informal synonym for "telescopic sight."
  • He looked through the scope to find the target.
• Riflescope (n): A type of telescopic sight designed specifically for rifles.

Synonyms

• Optical sight: A more general term for any sighting device that uses lenses.
• Scope: A common short form.

Related Phrases

• "to look through the sight": To aim using the telescopic sight.
  • She looked through the sight and gently squeezed the trigger.

Noun

1. gunsight consisting of a telescope on a firearm for use as a sight