magnifying glass

noun

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

magnifying glass

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnifying glass¹

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

“Any little data point about profitability will obviously be looked at with a magnifying glass.”

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The paper was covered in flow charts, arrows and text so minuscule you almost needed a magnifying glass to read it.

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As most Angelenos will know, the further you move inland, the more the sun feels like someone’s shoved a magnifying glass in front of it.

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“This is very different from other philanthropy. We have a different magnifying glass looking at us,” Reale said.

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Pattern maker Mar Marcote has been with the business 42 years and still uses a magnifying glass to examine each item of clothing before it finally goes into production.

Read more on BBC