magnifying glass

American  

noun

1. a lens that produces an enlarged image of an object.

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magnifying glass British  

noun

1. a convex lens used to produce an enlarged image of an object

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Etymology

Origin of magnifying glass

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

When she looked up, the magnifying glass enlarged her right eye, giving her the terrifying look of a cyclops.

From Literature

“A magnifying glass and a good hiding place.”

From Literature

There’s a picture of a magnifying glass, and beneath that, in big black text, it says, “Trying to find somebody? We can help!”

From Literature

Kennedy studied one of the missiles with the magnifying glass.

From Literature

When Lennon climbed the ladder and looked through the magnifying glass, he made out the word “yes,” written in small letters on a canvas attached to the ceiling.

From Los Angeles Times