periscope

[ per-uh-skohp ]

noun

1. an optical instrument for viewing objects that are above the level of direct sight or in an otherwise obstructed field of vision, consisting essentially of a tube with an arrangement of prisms or mirrors and, usually, lenses: used especially in submarines.
2. a periscopic lens.

periscope

/ ˈpɛrɪˌskəʊp /

noun

1. any of a number of optical instruments that enable the user to view objects that are not in the direct line of vision, such as one in a submarine for looking above the surface of the water. They have a system of mirrors or prisms to reflect the light and often contain focusing lenses

periscope

/ pĕr′ĭ-skōp′ /

1. An instrument that has angled mirrors or prisms and allows objects not in the direct line of sight to be seen, often used on submarines and in military reconnaissance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of periscope¹

First recorded in 1815–25; back formation from periscopic

Word History and Origins

Origin of periscope¹

C19: from Greek periskopein to look around; see peri- , -scope

Example Sentences

The lens rests in a vertical orientation and sees out through a small glass panel in the camera bar like a periscope.

From Popular-Science

It has a periscope camera that pops out of its head to let you see things higher up.

From Popular-Science

Recently, Barkman purchased a military-surplus periscope for the bus, to complete the submarine look.

From Outside Online

Rumors out of Asia suggest Apple is looking at the periscope technology for future iPhones, possibly as soon as next year.

From Fortune

A few models over the past year, like Samsung’s Galaxy S20 Ultra, debuted a trick to fit a longer lens into a thinner phone by placing it sideways and using a mirror to capture the image, periscope style.

From Fortune

In my case, it probably would be “Down periscope”—after accidentally ramming some Greenpeace research vessel.

From The Daily Beast

There was no shelling at the moment, but rifle bullets kept flopping into the parapet especially when the periscope was moved.

From Project Gutenberg

Every hundred yards or so I had a close peep at the ground in front through de Lisle's periscope.

From Project Gutenberg

The periscope is the one part of the submarine scout equipment that is open to vision from the surface.

From Project Gutenberg

Curiously the others crowded about the object glass of the periscope.

From Project Gutenberg

And just then the Weathercock shouted something which sounded very much like "Periscope!"

From Project Gutenberg