Lens

Definition

A piece of transparent substance, usually glass or plastic, with curved sides for concentrating or dispersing light rays.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /lɛnz/
• Respelling: LENZ (with "LENZ" as in "tense")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /lɛnz/
• Respelling: LENZ (with "LENZ" as in "tense")

In both dialects, "lens" places the primary stress on the entire word, "LENZ." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "LENZ."

Etymology

The term "lens" originates from the Latin word "lentil", due to the convex shape of a lentil bean which resembles the shape of a double convex lens. It was first used in this sense in the 17th century.

Derivatives

• Lenses
• Lensless
• Lensed
• Lensman (slang for a photographer)
• Lensing (used in cinematography and photography contexts)

Synonyms

• Optic
• Glass
• Loupe

Antonyms

None

Usage

Lenses are widely used in various optical devices to focus or modify light. They play a crucial role in vision correction, photography, cinematography, and scientific research.

Related Terms

• Optics: The branch of physics that deals with the properties and phenomena of light.
• Refraction: The bending of light as it passes through different mediums.
• Focal length: The distance between the center of a lens and its focus.

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Lens (Noun): A piece of glass or other transparent material with curved sides for concentrating or dispersing light rays, used in optical devices.
  • Example: "The camera's lens needs to be cleaned to take clear pictures."

• Lens (Noun): An object or device that focuses or otherwise modifies the direction of movement of light, sound, or other waves.
  • Example: "The scientist used a powerful lens to magnify the tiny structures."