camera

¹

[kam-er-uh, kam-ruh]

noun

1. a device for capturing a photographic image or recording a video, using film or digital memory.

2. (in a television transmitting apparatus) the device in which the picture to be televised is formed before it is changed into electric impulses.

adjective

1. Printing.,  camera-ready.

camera

²

[kam-er-uh]

noun

plural

camerae 

1. a judge's private office.

camera

/ ˈkæmrə, ˈkæmərə /

noun

1. an optical device consisting of a lens system set in a light-proof construction inside which a light-sensitive film or plate can be positioned See also cine camera digital camera

2. television the equipment used to convert the optical image of a scene into the corresponding electrical signals

3. See camera obscura

4. a judge's private room

5. 1. law relating to a hearing from which members of the public are excluded

   2. in private

6. not within an area being filmed

7. (esp of an actor) being filmed

Word History and Origins

Origin of camera¹

First recorded in 1730–40; shortening of camera obscura ( def. ); 1840-45 camera ¹ for def. 1; utimately from Latin camera “vaulted room, vault”; see camera ² ( def. )

Origin of camera²

First recorded in 1630–40; for earlier sense “vaulted room,” from Latin, from Greek kamára “vault, vaulted room”; see chamber ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of camera¹

C18: from Latin: vault, from Greek kamara

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on camera, being filmed or televised by a live camera.

   Be sure to look alert when you are on camera.

2. off camera,

   1. out of the range of a video camera, as a television or motion picture camera.

      The stunt woman was waiting just off camera for her cue to enter the scene.

   2. (of an actor) in one’s private rather than professional life.

      The two co-stars are best friends off camera.

3. in camera,

   1. Law. in the privacy of a judge's chambers.

   2. privately.

Example Sentences

One benefit of an earlier sunset is that it might be easier to get out and capture it on camera.

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After Watts asked follow-up questions, Porter accused Watts of being “unnecessarily argumentative,” held up her hands towards the reporter’s face and later said, “I don’t want this all on camera.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Our cameras were given rare access behind the scenes at Cardiff University to see what happens to our donated bodies.

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Police also found in their possession Wi-Fi jammers, which can be used to disarm cameras and alarms, cellphones, trail cameras, GPS trackers and stolen license plates, the release said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Mr Ratliff told the jury that while Khan said "pop, pop, pop" he had made "gun gestures" with his hand and headbutted the camera.

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Related Words

• camcorder