refracting telescope
noun
Origin of refracting telescope
Words nearby refracting telescope
Definition for refracting telescope (2 of 2)
Origin of telescope
OTHER WORDS FROM telescope
non·tel·e·scop·ing, adjectiveBritish Dictionary definitions for refracting telescope (1 of 2)
noun
British Dictionary definitions for refracting telescope (2 of 2)
noun
verb
Word Origin for telescope
Scientific definitions for refracting telescope (1 of 2)
Scientific definitions for refracting telescope (2 of 2)
Cultural definitions for refracting telescope
A device used by astronomers to magnify images or collect more light from distant objects by gathering and concentrating radiation. The most familiar kind of telescope is the optical telescope, which collects radiation in the form of visible light. It may work by reflection, with a bowl-shaped mirror at its base, or by refraction, with a system of lenses. Other kinds of telescopes collect other kinds of radiation; there are radio telescopes (which collect radio waves), x-ray telescopes, and infrared telescopes. Radio and optical telescopes may be situated on the Earth, since the Earth's atmosphere allows light and radio waves through but absorbs radiation from several other regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. X-ray telescopes are placed in space.