Definition

A tube-shaped device that uses mirrors and lenses to allow someone to see things that are not in their direct line of sight.

Example

The submarine used a periscope to see above the water without being detected.

Conversation

Did you see that new movie about submarines?

Yeah, it was really cool! They used a periscope to look out for enemy ships.

I found that part fascinating; I didn’t know how those worked.

Same here! It was interesting to see how they could observe from below the surface.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Periscope → It is formed from "peri-" (meaning around) and "skopein" (meaning to look or to see). The word describes an instrument that allows one to look around obstacles, typically used in submarines to see above the water's surface.

Memory Tip

Imagine looking 'around' ('peri-') something to 'see' ('skopein') what's ahead. This helps you remember that a periscope is used to look around obstacles.

Visually Confused Words