pickup tube

noun

, Television.

1. camera tube.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pickup tube¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

It turns out there was a previously unnoticed pinhole in the engine’s fuel pickup tube.

From Washington Times

Then R.C.A.'s new "image orthicon" pickup tube went into action, and the girls reappeared on the screen, brighter than ever.

From Time Magazine Archive

One "scans" the optical image of the scene the "pickup tube" is looking at.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the television "camera," a lens focuses a picture of the scene on a light-sensitive coating inside the pickup tube's front end.

From Time Magazine Archive