Binoculars vs. Telescope

Binocularsnoun

A hand-held device consisting of a series of lenses and prisms, used to magnify objects so that they can be better seen from a distance, and looked at through both eyes.

Binocularsnoun

an optical instrument designed for simultaneous use by both eyes

Binoculars

Binoculars or field glasses are two refracting telescopes mounted side-by-side and aligned to point in the same direction, allowing the viewer to use both eyes (binocular vision) when viewing distant objects. Most binoculars are sized to be held using both hands, although sizes vary widely from opera glasses to large pedestal-mounted military models.

Telescopenoun

A monocular optical instrument that magnifies distant objects, especially in astronomy.

Telescopenoun

Any instrument used in astronomy for observing distant objects (such as a radio telescope).

Telescopeverb

(ambitransitive) To extend or contract in the manner of a telescope.

Telescopeverb

(ambitransitive) To slide or pass one within another, after the manner of the sections of a small telescope or spyglass.

Telescopeverb

(intransitive) To come into collision, as railway cars, in such a manner that one runs into another.

Telescopenoun

An optical instrument used in viewing distant objects, as the heavenly bodies.

Telescopeverb

To slide or pass one within another, after the manner of the sections of a small telescope or spyglass; to come into collision, as railway cars, in such a manner that one runs into another; to become compressed in the manner of a telescope, due to a collision or other force.

Telescopeverb

To cause to come into collision, so as to telescope.

Telescopeverb

to shorten or abridge significantly; as, to telescope a whole semester's lectures into one week.

Telescopeadjective

Capable of being extended or compacted, like a telescope, by the sliding of joints or parts one within the other; telescopic; as, a telescope bag; telescope table, etc.; - now more commonly replaced by the term telescoping.

Telescopenoun

a magnifier of images of distant objects

Telescopeverb

crush together or collapse;

Telescopeverb

make smaller or shorter;

Telescope

A telescope is an optical instrument using lenses, curved mirrors, or a combination of both to observe distant objects, or various devices used to observe distant objects by their emission, absorption, or reflection of electromagnetic radiation. The first known practical telescopes were refracting telescopes invented in the Netherlands at the beginning of the 17th century, by using glass lenses.