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periscope

[per-uh-skohp]
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noun
  1. 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.
  2. 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. 2018

Examples from the Web for periscope

Historical Examples

  • The conning-tower and periscope are placed on the upper deck, as shown.

    Boys' Book of Model Boats

    Raymond Francis Yates

  • I was glad when I picked up its homely white front in my periscope.

    Danger! and Other Stories

    Arthur Conan Doyle

  • The captain turns the periscope around, scanning the waters.

    Some Naval Yarns

    Mordaunt Hall

  • He looked neither to right nor left but was still at the periscope.

    Some Naval Yarns

    Mordaunt Hall

  • This periscope was not in use and had not been above the surface.

    Some Naval Yarns

    Mordaunt Hall

British Dictionary definitions for periscope

periscope

noun
  1. 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
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Word Origin

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

Word Origin and History for periscope

n.

viewing apparatus on a submarine, 1899, formed in English from peri- "around" + -scope "instrument for viewing." Earlier (1865) a technical term in photography. Related: Periscopic.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
periscope in Science

periscope

[pĕr′ĭ-skōp′]
  1. 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.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.