Definition

Adjective 1. Having parts that slide or extend within one another: Describes an object constructed of sections that fit inside each other, allowing it to be extended to a longer length or collapsed to a shorter one for compactness. 2. Relating to or seen with a telescope: Pertaining to the use, function, or capabilities of a telescope. 3. Capable of seeing or discerning distant objects: Describing vision or a viewpoint that is far-seeing, either literally or figuratively.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective (Sliding Parts):
  • The tripod has telescopic legs, so it can be adjusted to different heights.
  • He extended the telescopic antenna on the old radio.
• Adjective (Relating to a Telescope):
  • The telescopic image of the planet revealed new details about its atmosphere.
  • That star is too faint for the naked eye; it is only a telescopic object.
• Adjective (Far-Seeing):
  • The general had a telescopic view of the battlefield's strategy. (figurative)

Advanced Usage

• "Telescopic sight": A sighting device (often on a rifle) that uses lenses to magnify the target, similar to a small telescope.
  • The hunter looked through the telescopic sight to aim precisely.
• "Telescopic view": Can be used figuratively to describe a comprehensive, long-term, or far-reaching perspective on a situation.
  • The report provided a telescopic view of the industry's challenges over the next decade.

Variants and Related Words

• Telescope (noun): An optical instrument designed to make distant objects appear nearer.
  • We used a telescope to look at the moon.
• Telescope (verb): To slide or drive one section into another, like the tubes of a telescope; to become compressed or condensed.
  • The train cars telescoped during the violent collision.
  • The writer had to telescope fifty years of history into a single chapter.

Synonyms

• Extendable: Capable of being extended in length.
• Collapsible: Able to be folded into a more compact shape.
• Far-seeing: Having foresight or a long-range view.

Related Phrases

• Telescopic umbrella: An umbrella with a shaft that can be extended and collapsed.
  • She always carries a telescopic umbrella in her bag.

Adjective

1. having parts that slide one within another
   • a telescopic antenna
   • a telescopic drinking cup
2. capable of discerning distant objects
   • a telescopic eye
   • telescopic vision
3. visible only with a telescope
   • a bright star with a telescopic companion