periscope

[ per-uh-skohp ]
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noun
  1. 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.

  2. a periscopic lens.

Origin of periscope

1
First recorded in 1815–25; back formation from periscopic

Words Nearby periscope

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How to use periscope in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for periscope

periscope

/ (ˈpɛrɪˌskəʊp) /


noun
  1. 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

Origin of periscope

1
C19: from Greek periskopein to look around; see peri-, -scope

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for periscope

periscope

[ pĕrĭ-skōp′ ]


  1. 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.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.