Binocular
/ˌbaɪˈnɒk.jʊ.lər/noun
Relating to or using both eyes or two lenses.
Did you know?The word’s Latin roots, *bī-* (“two”) and *oculus* (“eye”), are the same ancient eye-word family behind surprising descendants like *ocular* and *monocle*.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
bīnōculāris
“Two-eyed; having two eyes or two lenses.”
Late Latin
Latin
bīnōculus
“Having two eyes.”
17th Century
English
binocular
“Relating to both eyes; using both eyes together.”
19th Century
English
binoculars
“A pair of small telescopes mounted together for use with both eyes.”
Modern English
English
binocular
“Using or involving both eyes or two coordinated optical paths.”
Explore more surprising origins