Spyglass Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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spyglass

[ˈspaɪˌɡlæs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

on a ship

A small telescope used for viewing distant objects, especially on a ship. It typically has a magnifying lens at one end and an eyepiece at the other.

Synonyms

binoculars, monocular, telescope.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spyglass	A small handheld telescope often used historically by naval officers and pirates for seeing distant objects at sea. It evokes a vintage or nautical theme. Captain Smith took out his spyglass to get a better view of the approaching ship. The antique shop had a beautifully crafted spyglass from the 18th century.
telescope	An optical instrument designed for observing distant celestial objects such as stars, planets, and galaxies. Often used in astronomy and comes in larger and more powerful models compared to a spyglass. The astronomer adjusted his telescope to view the rings of Saturn. They set up a telescope on the hill to stargaze.
binoculars	An optical instrument with two telescopic lenses for both eyes, commonly used for bird watching, sports events, or any activity requiring a closer view of distant objects. She brought her binoculars to the game to see the players up close. He used binoculars to watch the birds in the forest.
monocular	A single-lens optical device similar to binoculars but intended for use with one eye. Suitable for people who need a compact and lightweight option, often used in hiking or quick sightseeing. The hiker preferred using a monocular for its convenience and lighter weight. He peered through the monocular to see the distant mountain range.

Examples of usage

The captain used his spyglass to scan the horizon for any signs of land.
She peered through the spyglass and spotted a school of dolphins playing in the distance.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical

An early form of telescope consisting of a single convex lens used for viewing distant objects.

Synonyms

monocular, optical tube, telescope.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spyglass	Used primarily in historical or maritime settings to describe a handheld device with lenses for magnification. The captain pulled out his spyglass to observe the distant ship Pirates often used a spyglass to spot potential targets
telescope	Commonly used in both casual and scientific settings to describe an instrument that magnifies distant objects, mainly for star gazing and astronomical studies. She received a telescope as a gift to observe the moon and planets Telescopes are essential tools for astronomers
monocular	Refers to a compact, portable, single-lens optical device, often used for outdoor activities like birdwatching and hiking. He carried a monocular on his nature hikes to better observe wildlife Using a monocular, she could clearly see the details of the mountains in the distance
optical tube	A more technical term used in astronomy and optics to describe the main component of a telescope that houses the lenses or mirrors. The optical tube of the telescope was aligned to capture the best view of the stars Astronomers often discuss the specifications of different optical tubes

Examples of usage

The pirate captain looked through his spyglass to see if any enemy ships were approaching.
The spyglass allowed sailors to spot land or other ships from a distance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

Spyglasses became widely used by sailors during the Age of Exploration to spot land and other ships.
Famous figures like Galileo and Johannes Kepler improved telescope designs in the 17th century, leading to more advanced versions of spyglasses.
They played a crucial role in naval battles, allowing commanders to see enemy ships before engaging.

Science

The principles behind spyglasses involve lenses that bend light to make distant objects appear larger, a concept rooted in optics.
Modern versions often utilize glass with special coatings to reduce glare and improve visibility under various conditions.
Research in astronomy has led to advancements in spyglass technology, influencing telescopes used for stargazing.

Pop Culture

Spyglasses are often associated with pirates in movies and literature, where they are used to search for treasure or enemy vessels.
In popular fiction, characters like Sherlock Holmes utilize spyglasses as part of their detective toolkit to gather evidence.
The spyglass's iconic imagery often signifies adventure and exploration in children's books and films.

Technology

While traditional spyglasses are simple glass tubes, modern ones often incorporate digital technology, such as night vision and GPS.
Advancements in materials allow for lightweight and compact designs, making them more portable for outdoor enthusiasts.
Smart spyglasses can now connect to apps, offering features like augmented reality overlays for a richer viewing experience.

Origin of 'spyglass'

Main points about word origin

The word 'spyglass' combines 'spy,' which means to watch secretly, and 'glass,' referring to the glass lens used to magnify images.
In the 16th century, the word began to be used more frequently to describe long-distance viewing devices.
The term reflects the practice of watching or surveying from a distance, often used in naval contexts.

The word 'spyglass' originated in the 17th century and is a combination of 'spy' (to watch secretly) and 'glass' (referring to a lens). It was commonly used by sailors and pirates for spotting distant objects at sea. Over time, the design of the spyglass evolved into the modern telescope. The spyglass played a crucial role in navigation and exploration during the Age of Sail.