English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word telescope in English

What does telescope mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

telescope

US /ˈtel.ə.skoʊp/
UK /ˈtel.ə.skoʊp/
"telescope" picture

Noun

1.

an optical instrument designed to make distant objects appear nearer, containing an arrangement of lenses or of curved mirrors and lenses, by which rays of light are collected and focused in a way that forms a magnified image.

Example:
•
He used a powerful telescope to observe the distant galaxy.
•
The observatory houses several large telescopes.
Synonym:
scopespyglassrefractorreflector

Verb

1.

to slide or cause to slide into itself, so that the sections close together

Example:
•
The old camping chair could telescope down for easy storage.
•
The antenna began to telescope out as the radio was turned on.
Synonym:
retractcollapsecontractshortenfold
2.

to compress or condense (something) so as to occupy less space or time

Example:
•
We need to telescope the meeting agenda to fit into one hour.
•
The editor decided to telescope the long article into a concise summary.
Synonym:
compresscondenseshortenabbreviatetruncate
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