Binoculars
/baɪˈnɒk.jə.ləz/noun
A pair of connected telescopes used for viewing distant objects with both eyes.
Did you know?The core Latin root behind binoculars, oculus, also gave English occult, so this everyday viewing tool is etymologically tied to the language of hidden things.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Latin
Latin
bi- + oculus
“two + eye”
17th Century
Latin/Scientific
binoculus
“having two eyes”
18th Century
French
binoculaire
“using both eyes; two-eyed”
19th Century
English
binocular
“relating to both eyes or both visual organs”
19th Century
English
binoculars
“a pair of optical instruments for viewing with both eyes”