panoptic

[ pan-op-tik ]

adjective

1. permitting the viewing of all parts or elements:

   a panoptic stain used in microscopy; a panoptic aerial photograph of an enemy missile base.

2. considering all parts or elements; all inclusive:

   a panoptic criticism of modern poetry.

panoptic

/ pænˈɒptɪk /

adjective

1. taking in all parts, aspects, etc, in a single view; all-embracing

   a panoptic survey

Derived Forms

• panˈoptically, adverb

Other Words From

• pan·opti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of panoptic¹

1820–30; < Greek panópt(ēs) all-seeing + -ic. See pan-, optic

Word History and Origins

Origin of panoptic¹

C19: from Greek panoptēs seeing everything, from pan- + optos visible

Example Sentences

I suppose the town has a modern jail now—perhaps even with panoptic galleries!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• sweeping