aperture

[ ap-er-cher ]

noun

1. an opening, as a hole, slit, crack, gap, etc.
2. Also called aperture stop. Optics. an opening, usually circular, that limits the quantity of light that can enter an optical instrument.

aperture

/ ˈæpətʃə /

noun

1. a hole, gap, crack, slit, or other opening
2. physics
   1. a usually circular and often variable opening in an optical instrument or device that controls the quantity of radiation entering or leaving it
   2. the diameter of such an opening See also relative aperture

Other Words From

• ap·er·tur·al [ap, -er-ch, oo, r-, uh, l], adjective
• ap·er·tured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aperture¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin apertūra an opening, equivalent to apert ( us ) opened (past participle of aperīre; aper ( i )- ( aperient ) + -tus past participle suffix) + -ūra -ure

Word History and Origins

Origin of aperture¹

C15: from Late Latin apertūra opening, from Latin aperīre to open

Example Sentences

Its 8-megapixel camera, inclusive of true-tone and dual-LED f/2.2 aperture flashes, features optical image stabilization.

From The Daily Beast

“Administration officials favorite phrase these days is that, ‘you have to widen the aperture,’” says Bockenfeld.

From The Daily Beast

If the cover of Black Aperture made a more daring use of black it would have earned my respect.

From The Daily Beast

His book of essays, Photography After Frank , was recently published by Aperture.

From The Daily Beast

His book of essays, Photography After Frank, was recently published by Aperture.

From The Daily Beast

In the aperture of the window, amid piles of paper, stood a rickety old table, covered with dust.

From Project Gutenberg

Hilda suggested that the ticket-clerk should be interrogated, but the aperture of communication with him was shut.

From Project Gutenberg

The light which discovered its dismal bounds to his solitary eyes, came from a small grated aperture in the vaulted roof.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed it could hardly have seemed possible to him, that the Duke could have withdrawn himself through that aperture.

From Project Gutenberg

A hearty roar of laughter burst from the doorway as the Factor's burly figure blocked the aperture.

From Project Gutenberg