telescope
UK: ˈtelɪskəʊp | US: ˈtelɪskoʊp
n. an optical instrument designed to make distant objects appear nearer, using an arrangement of lenses or mirrors.
vt. to slide or cause to slide into itself, shortening length (e.g., "telescope the metal tubes").
The word "telescope" originates from the Greek roots "tele-" (τηλε, meaning "far") and "-scope" (σκοπός, meaning "view" or "observer"). Coined in the early 17th century by Italian scientist Galileo Galilei, it literally means "far-seer." The term reflects the instrument's function of magnifying distant objects, merging the concepts of distance ("tele-") and observation ("-scope"). Over time, the verb form emerged, metaphorically describing objects that collapse or extend like a telescope's sliding tubes.
She adjusted the telescope to observe Jupiter’s moons.
The collapsible pole telescopes into a compact size for storage.
Ancient astronomers used rudimentary telescopes to map the stars.
The documentary explained how modern telescopes detect infrared light.
He telescoped the antenna before packing it into his backpack.