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periscope

[ per-uh-skohp ]
/ ˈpɛr əˌskoʊp /
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noun
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.
a periscopic lens.
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Origin of periscope

First recorded in 1815–25; back formation from periscopic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use periscope in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for periscope

periscope
/ (ˈpɛrɪˌskəʊp) /

noun
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

Word Origin for periscope

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′ ]

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.
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