Telescope: meaning, definitions and examples

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telescope

[ˈtelɪskəʊp ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

astronomy

An optical instrument designed to make distant objects appear nearer, containing an arrangement of lenses or curved mirrors and lenses.

Synonyms

glass, scope, spyglass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
telescope	Used in both general and scientific contexts to describe an optical instrument that makes distant objects appear closer and more detailed. The astronomer used a powerful telescope to observe the stars My parents bought me a small telescope for my birthday
spyglass	Typically refers to a small, hand-held telescope used by sailors and explorers to observe distant objects; often has a historical or nautical connotation. The pirate captain used his spyglass to spot distant ships She felt like an explorer as she looked through the old spyglass
glass	An old-fashioned or poetic term for a telescope, rarely used in modern language. He peered through the captain's glass at the approaching ships The old sailor always had his trusty glass by his side
scope	A colloquial abbreviation of 'telescope' often used in casual conversation or in certain professional jargon, such as among hunters for rifle scopes. Hunters often use a scope to aim at distant targets The scientist carefully adjusted the scope on his instrument

Examples of usage

The astronomer used a telescope to observe the stars.
She adjusted the focus of the telescope to get a clearer view of the moon.
The telescope revealed a galaxy millions of light-years away.
The telescope helped scientists discover a new planet in our solar system.
Through the telescope, she could see the craters on the surface of the moon.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'tele' meaning 'far' and 'skopein' meaning 'to look'.
The term was first coined in the 17th century and has evolved with technology.
Early telescopes were made from glass lenses, while modern ones use mirrors for better clarity.

Science

Telescopes can be optical, radio, or other types, each designed for different wavelengths of light.
The Hubble Space Telescope has captured images of distant galaxies, showing the universe's vastness.
Some telescopes can detect exoplanets by observing how they block starlight.

History

The first recorded telescope was made in the Netherlands in 1608 by Hans Lippershey.
Galileo Galilei improved the design in 1609, making detailed observations of the Moon and Jupiter's moons.
In the 20th century, the advent of larger stations on Earth and space enabled astronomers to explore deeper into space.

Pop Culture

Telescopes are often featured in movies and shows about space exploration, like 'Star Trek'.
Many science fiction stories use telescopes as gateways to discovering alien life, influencing public interest in astronomy.
The Hubble Space Telescope has popularized astronomy through its stunning images, attracting millions to the field.

Literature

Telescopes feature in works like 'Cosmos' by Carl Sagan, symbolizing humanity's quest for knowledge.
In poetry, telescopes evoke themes of exploration, imagination, and the connection between man and the universe.
Fictional characters such as astronomers in stories often use telescopes to connect to the mysteries of the cosmos.

Translations

Translations of the word "telescope" in other languages:

🇵🇹 telescópio

🇮🇳 दूरबीन

🇩🇪 Teleskop

🇮🇩 teleskop

🇺🇦 телескоп

🇵🇱 teleskop

🇯🇵 望遠鏡 (ぼうえんきょう)

🇫🇷 télescope

🇪🇸 telescopio

🇹🇷 teleskop

🇰🇷 망원경 (mangwongyeong)

🇸🇦 تلسكوب

🇨🇿 dalekohled

🇸🇰 teleskop

🇨🇳 望远镜 (wàngyuǎnjìng)

🇸🇮 teleskop

🇮🇸 sjónauki

🇰🇿 телескоп

🇬🇪 ტელესკოპი (teleskopi)

🇦🇿 teleskop

🇲🇽 telescopio

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,233 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
8230 colon
8231 obedient
8232 ignoring
8233 telescope
8234 richer
8235 distributor
8236 restructuring
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