Lens — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈlenz/

Meaning & Definition of Lens

Lens (noun)

  1. a piece of transparent material (such as glass) that has two opposite regular surfaces either both curved or one curved and the other plane and that is used either singly or combined in an optical instrument for forming an image by focusing rays of light
  2. a combination of two or more simple lenses
  3. a piece of glass or plastic used (as in safety goggles or sunglasses) to protect the eye

Lens (verb)

  1. to make a video recording of, film

Lens (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in glass, sunglasses

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Lens

The most common words with a similar meaning to Lens:

Word Forms of Lens

Inflections: lensed, lensing, lenses

Derived words: lensed (adjective), lensless (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Lens

New Latin lent-, lens, from Latin, lentil; from its shape

First known use: 1673

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Lens

Words & Phrases Containing Lens

Frequently Asked Questions about Lens

What does "Lens" mean?

"Lens" means a piece of transparent material (such as glass) that has two opposite regular surfaces either both curved or one curved and the other plane and that is used either singly or combined in an optical instrument for forming an image by focusing rays of light. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a piece of transparent material (such as glass) that has two opposite regular surfaces either both curved or one curved and the other plane and that is used either singly or combined in an optical instrument for forming an image by focusing rays of light.

What is another word for "Lens"?

Other words for "Lens" include eyeglasses, glass, specs, spectacles, bifocals, half-glasses, trifocals and lorgnette. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Lens" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Lens"?

There are 12 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Lens". Common alternatives include eyeglasses, glass, specs, spectacles, bifocals, half-glasses, trifocals, lorgnette, monocle and pince-nez.

Is "Lens" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Lens" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Lens" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Lens" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Lens"?

"Lens" is pronounced /ˈlenz/.

What is the origin of the word "Lens"?

"Lens" comes from New Latin lent-, lens, from Latin, lentil; from its shape. First known use: 1673.

What is another word for "Lens" meaning "as in glass, sunglasses"?

When "Lens" (noun) means as in glass, sunglasses, synonyms include eyeglasses, glass, specs, spectacles, bifocals and half-glasses.