panoptic

[ pan-op-tik ]
/ pænˈɒp tɪk /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR panoptic ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

permitting the viewing of all parts or elements: a panoptic stain used in microscopy; a panoptic aerial photograph of an enemy missile base.
considering all parts or elements; all inclusive: a panoptic criticism of modern poetry.
Often pan·op·ti·cal.

Origin of panoptic

1820–30; < Greek panópt(ēs) all-seeing + -ic. See pan-, optic

OTHER WORDS FROM panoptic

pan·op·ti·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby panoptic

panoan, panocha, panofsky, panophthalmia, panoply, panoptic, panopticon, panorama, panoramic camera, panoramic radiograph, panoramic sight

Words related to panoptic

sweeping, all, all-inclusive, blanket, broad, complete, comprehensive, encompassing, everything, extensive, global, total, wide, widespread, all-embracing, all-encompassing

Example sentences from the Web for panoptic

  • I suppose the town has a modern jail now—perhaps even with panoptic galleries!

    The Charm of Ireland |Burton Egbert Stevenson

British Dictionary definitions for panoptic

panoptic

panoptical

/ (pænˈɒptɪk) /

adjective

taking in all parts, aspects, etc, in a single view; all-embracing a panoptic survey

Derived forms of panoptic

panoptically, adverb

Word Origin for panoptic

C19: from Greek panoptēs seeing everything, from pan- + optos visible