aperture

UK: ˈæpətʃə | US: ˈæpərtʃər

Definition

  1. n. an opening, hole, or gap

  2. n. (photography) the adjustable opening in a camera lens that controls the amount of light entering

  3. n. (biology) a natural opening in a structure or organism

Structure
apert <open>ure <noun suffix>
Etymology

aperture = apert<open> + ure<noun suffix>

  • apert (from Latin apertus, meaning "open")
  • ure (a noun-forming suffix indicating a state or function, from Latin -ura)

Etymology Origin:
The word "aperture" traces back to Latin apertus (past participle of aperire, "to open"), combined with the suffix -ura, which denotes a result or function. The term originally referred to any opening or gap, later specializing in optics (camera lenses) and biology. The logical progression reflects its core idea of "openness" across contexts.

Examples

  1. The camera’s aperture was set to f/2.8 for a shallow depth of field.

  2. Light entered the room through a narrow aperture in the wall.

  3. The scientist observed the aperture of the cell membrane under a microscope.

  4. Adjusting the aperture affects both exposure and focus in photography.

  5. The cave’s aperture was just wide enough for a person to crawl through.