periscope

[ per-uh-skohp ]

/ ˈpɛr əˌskoʊp /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR periscope ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

Nearby words

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for periscope

Here there are a periscope, steering-wheel, voice-tubes, and everything necessary for the control of the vessel.
Spies of the Kaiser|William Le Queux
I was just able to catch hold of the ocular or eye-piece of the periscope.
Aircraft and Submarines|Willis J. Abbot.
He looked again through the periscope and intently studied the windows on the island some three miles away.
H.M.S. ----|Klaxon
The periscope has been sighted by a keen eye on the Birmingham, and a superb shot has carried it away.
The Childrens' Story of the War, Volume 1 (of 10)|James Edward Parrott

Shortly after that a periscope appeared, and it was this that gave the Whack her chance to drop her depth-charges.
Sea-Hounds|Lewis R. Freeman

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

Word Origin and History for periscope

periscope

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.

Science definitions for periscope

periscope

[ pĕr′ĭ-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.