camera

¹

[ kam-er-uh, kam-ruh ]

noun

1. a device for capturing a photographic image or recording a video, using film or digital memory.
2. (in a television transmitting apparatus) the device in which the picture to be televised is formed before it is changed into electric impulses.

adjective

1. Printing. camera-ready.

camera

²

[ kam-er-uh ]

noun

, plural cam·er·ae [kam, -, uh, -ree].

1. a judge's private office.

camera

/ ˈkæmrə; ˈkæmərə /

noun

1. an optical device consisting of a lens system set in a light-proof construction inside which a light-sensitive film or plate can be positioned See also cine camera digital camera
2. television the equipment used to convert the optical image of a scene into the corresponding electrical signals
3. See camera obscura
4. -erae-əˌriː a judge's private room
5. in camera
   1. law relating to a hearing from which members of the public are excluded
   2. in private
6. off camera
   not within an area being filmed
7. on camera
   (esp of an actor) being filmed

Word History and Origins

Origin of camera¹

First recorded in 1730–40; shortening of camera obscura ( def ); 1840-45 camera ¹fordef 1; utimately from Latin camera “vaulted room, vault”; see camera ²( def )

Origin of camera²

First recorded in 1630–40; for earlier sense “vaulted room,” from Latin, from Greek kamára “vault, vaulted room”; see chamber ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of camera¹

C18: from Latin: vault, from Greek kamara

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in camera,
   1. Law. in the privacy of a judge's chambers.
   2. privately.
2. off camera,
   1. out of the range of a video camera, as a television or motion picture camera:

      The stunt woman was waiting just off camera for her cue to enter the scene.

   2. (of an actor) in one’s private rather than professional life:

      The two co-stars are best friends off camera.

3. on camera, being filmed or televised by a live camera:

   Be sure to look alert when you are on camera.

Example Sentences

Then the camera starts moving around.

From Los Angeles Times

Further bruising was seen on Charlie over the following months by family and friends, and at the end of August 2023 Ms Roberts installed a spy camera overlooking her son's cot but took no further action, the court heard.

From BBC

Ms Roberts bought a spy camera over concerns about Mr Stockton and her son but failed to take any further action to protect him, it is alleged.

From BBC

Tanton kindles a small fire of twigs inside a metal pitcher, while expounding for the camera about ecology and overpopulation.

From Salon

“Which is why I’d like to take this opportunity to say to our new president-elect…” Then Colbert looked directly into the camera and said, “Pass.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• camcorder