camera

UK: ˈkæmərə | US: ˈkæmərə

Definition

  1. n. a device for capturing visual images (photographs or videos)

  2. n. a chamber or enclosed space (archaic/technical usage)

Structure
camer <chamber>a <noun suffix>
Etymology

camera = camer<chamber> + a<noun suffix>

  • camer (from Latin camera meaning "vaulted room" or "chamber")
  • a (a noun-forming suffix in Latin, retained in English)

Etymology Origin:
The word camera originates from Latin camera (later camera), meaning "vaulted room" or "chamber." It entered English via Italian (camera) in the 18th century, initially referring to a "dark chamber" used in early photography (camera obscura). Over time, it narrowed to mean the modern image-capturing device, while the original "chamber" sense persists in technical terms (e.g., bicameral legislature).

Examples

  1. She adjusted the settings on her camera before taking the photo.

  2. The documentary was filmed using a high-definition camera.

  3. In architecture, a camera refers to a vaulted space.

  4. The camera obscura was an early precursor to modern photography.

  5. He forgot to bring his camera on the trip and regretted it later.