Oculus
/ˈɒk.jʊ.ləs/noun
A circular opening or window, often found in architecture.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, the oculus was not just an architectural feature but was believed to connect the spiritual and physical realms, allowing divine light to enter temples.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*okw-
“To see, to perceive, or to have vision.”
Latin
Latin
oculus
“Eye, as a physical organ and metaphorically as a source of vision.”
Old French
Old French
oculus
“Adoption of the Latin term into Old French, retaining the meaning of eye.”
Middle English
Middle English
oculus
“Borrowed from Old French, used in philosophical and theological texts.”
Modern English
English
oculus
“An architectural term for a circular opening, maintaining the original meaning related to sight.”