Camera
/ˈkæm.ər.ə/noun
A device for recording images, either as photographs or video.
Did you know?The term 'camera' derives from the Latin 'camera obscura', meaning 'dark chamber', which refers to an early optical device that projected images.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
camera
“a vaulted chamber or room.”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
camera obscura
“dark chamber, referring to a darkened room with a small opening for light.”
16th Century
Italian
camera
“a room, particularly one used for sleeping.”
17th Century
English
camera
“referring specifically to the camera obscura as a tool for capturing images.”
19th Century
English
camera
“adoption of the term for devices that capture photographs.”
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