Spyglass: meaning, definitions and examples

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spyglass

 

[ ˈspaɪˌɡlæs ]

Noun
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

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

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

Translations of the word "spyglass" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lente de aumento

🇮🇳 दूरबीन

🇩🇪 Lupe

🇮🇩 kaca pembesar

🇺🇦 лупа

🇵🇱 lupa

🇯🇵 拡大鏡 (かくだいきょう)

🇫🇷 loupe

🇪🇸 lupa

🇹🇷 büyüteç

🇰🇷 돋보기

🇸🇦 عدسة مكبرة

🇨🇿 lupa

🇸🇰 lupa

🇨🇳 放大镜 (fàngdàjìng)

🇸🇮 povečevalno steklo

🇮🇸 stækkunargler

🇰🇿 үлкейткіш әйнек

🇬🇪 გამადიდებელი მინა

🇦🇿 böyüdücü şüşə

🇲🇽 lupa

Word origin

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.

See also: spies, spy, spying, spyware.