Langimage
English

lens

|lens|

B2

/lɛnz/

focus light

Etymology
Etymology Information

'lens' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'lens,' where it referred to a lentil, due to the shape resemblance.

Historical Evolution

'lens' changed from the Latin word 'lens' and eventually became the modern English word 'lens'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'lentil,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a piece of glass or other transparent material for focusing light'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a piece of glass or other transparent material with curved sides for concentrating or dispersing light rays, used in eyeglasses, cameras, microscopes, etc.

The camera lens needs cleaning.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a device that focuses or defocuses light, often used metaphorically to describe a perspective or viewpoint.

Through the lens of history, we can understand the present better.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45