diopter

[ dahy-op-ter ]

noun

1. Optics. a unit of measure of the refractive power of a lens, having the dimension of the reciprocal of length and a unit equal to the reciprocal of one meter. : D
2. an instrument, invented by Hipparchus, to measure the apparent diameter of the sun or moon or to estimate the size or elevation of distant objects.

Other Words From

• di·optral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diopter¹

1585–95; < Latin dioptra < Greek: instrument for measuring height or levels, equivalent to di- di- ³ + op- (for ópsesthai to see) + -tra noun suffix of means

Example Sentences

The handmade quality of the film is reflected in the many manual filmmaking techniques on display, such as split diopter shots, optical wipes and irises.

From Los Angeles Times

"The spiral diopter lens, first conceived by an intuitive inventor, was scientifically substantiated through an intensive research collaboration with optical scientists," said Simon.

From Science Daily

Even after adjusting the diopter, white text on the outer edges of the EVF has green and red shifts that I never got used to.

From The Verge

Dr. Dinkin increased the strength of my prism to 10 diopters.

From New York Times

The filmmaking favors the kinds of showy stylistic flourishes — slow motion dollies, split diopter shots — that, when used tastefully, can make action dazzle, as in the films of Brian De Palma.

From New York Times