Telescope

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈtÉ›lÉ™skəʊp/
• US IPA: /ˈtÉ›l.ɪ.skoÊŠp/

Origin

- + scope + -.

From Latin telescopium, from Ancient Greek τηλεσκόπος (tēleskopos, "far-seeing"), from τῆλε (tēle, "afar") + σκοπέω (skopeō, "I look at").

Coined in 1611 by the Greek mathematician Giovanni Demisiani for one of 's instruments presented at a banquet at the .

Full definition of telescope

Noun

1. A monocular optical instrument possessing magnification for observing distant objects, especially in astronomy.
2. Any instrument used in astronomy for observing distant objects (such as a radio telescope).

Derived terms

Verb

1. To extend or contract in the manner of a telescope.
2. To slide or pass one within another, after the manner of the sections of a small telescope or spyglass.
3. To come into collision, as railway cars, in such a manner that one runs into another.