Telescope — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈte-lə-ˌskōp/ tele·scope

Meaning & Definition of Telescope

Telescope (noun)

  1. a usually tubular optical instrument for viewing distant objects by means of the refraction of light rays through a lens or the reflection of light rays by a concave mirror
  2. any of various tubular magnifying optical instruments
  3. radio telescope

Telescope (verb)

  1. to become forced together lengthwise with one part entering another as the result of collision
  2. to slide or pass one within another like the cylindrical sections of a collapsible hand telescope
  3. to become compressed or condensed

Telescope (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together

    "for dramatic purposes, the film telescopes the years over which the events occurred into a few short months"

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Telescope

The most common words with a similar meaning to Telescope:

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Telescope

Words with the opposite meaning of Telescope:

Near Antonyms of Telescope

Word Forms of Telescope

Inflections: telescoped, telescoping

Origin & Etymology of Telescope

New Latin telescopium, from Greek tēleskopos farseeing, from tēle- tele- + skopos watcher; akin to Greek skopein to look spy

First known use: 1650

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Telescope

  • Topics: Science & Research

Words & Phrases Containing Telescope

Frequently Asked Questions about Telescope

What does "Telescope" mean?

"Telescope" means a usually tubular optical instrument for viewing distant objects by means of the refraction of light rays through a lens or the reflection of light rays by a concave mirror. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a usually tubular optical instrument for viewing distant objects by means of the refraction of light rays through a lens or the reflection of light rays by a concave mirror.

What is another word for "Telescope"?

Other words for "Telescope" include capsule, capsulize, collapse, compact, compress, condense, constrict and constringe. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Telescope" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Telescope"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Telescope". Common alternatives include capsule, capsulize, collapse, compact, compress, condense, constrict, constringe, contract and narrow (down).

What is the opposite of "Telescope"?

Antonyms of "Telescope" include decompress, expand, open, outspread and outstretch. Near antonyms include dilate, disperse, dissipate and scatter.

How do you use "Telescope" in a sentence?

Examples of "Telescope" in a sentence: "for dramatic purposes, the film telescopes the years over which the events occurred into a few short months".

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

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

How do you pronounce "Telescope"?

"Telescope" is pronounced /ˈte-lə-ˌskōp/ and divided into syllables as tele·scope.

What is the origin of the word "Telescope"?

"Telescope" comes from New Latin telescopium, from Greek tēleskopos farseeing, from tēle- tele- + skopos watcher; akin to Greek skopein to look spy. First known use: 1650.