periscope
[ per-uh-skohp ]
/ ˈpɛr əˌskoʊp /
noun
an optical instrument for viewing objects that are above the level of direct sight or in an otherwise obstructed field of vision, consisting essentially of a tube with an arrangement of prisms or mirrors and, usually, lenses: used especially in submarines.
a periscopic lens.
Origin of periscope
First recorded in 1815–25; back formation from
periscopic
Words nearby periscope
perirectitis,
perirhizoclasia,
perisalpingitis,
perisalpinx,
perisarc,
periscope,
periscopic,
perish,
perish the thought,
perishable,
perished
Example sentences from the Web for periscope
British Dictionary definitions for periscope
periscope
/ (ˈpɛrɪˌskəʊp) /
noun
any of a number of optical instruments that enable the user to view objects that are not in the direct line of vision, such as one in a submarine for looking above the surface of the water. They have a system of mirrors or prisms to reflect the light and often contain focusing lenses
Word Origin for periscope
C19: from Greek
periskopein to look around; see
peri-,
-scope
Scientific definitions for periscope
periscope
[ pĕr′ĭ-skōp′ ]
An instrument that has angled mirrors or prisms and allows objects not in the direct line of sight to be seen, often used on submarines and in military reconnaissance.