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panoptical

 - 3 dictionary results

pan⋅op⋅tic

  [pan-op-tik]
Use panoptical in a Sentence
–adjective
1. permitting the viewing of all parts or elements: a panoptic stain used in microscopy; a panoptic aerial photograph of an enemy missile base.
2. considering all parts or elements; all inclusive: a panoptic criticism of modern poetry.
Also, pan⋅op⋅ti⋅cal.

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

Related forms:
pan⋅op⋅ti⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To panoptical
pan·op·tic   (pān-ŏp'tĭk)   
adj.  Including everything visible in one view.

[From Greek panoptos, fully visible : pan-, with respect to everything, fully; see pan- + optos, visible; see okw- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: pan·op·tic
Pronunciation: (')pan-'äp-tik
Function: adjective
: permitting everything to be seen panoptic stain>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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