'telescope' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'tēleskopos,' where 'tēle' meant 'far' and 'skopein' meant 'to look or see.'

'tēleskopos' transformed into the Italian word 'telescopio,' and eventually became the modern English word 'telescope' through Latin.

Initially, it meant 'an instrument for seeing far,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.