Periscope - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT periscope /ˌpɛrəˈskoʊp/ /ˈpɛrɪskəʊp/ IPA guide

Other forms: periscopes

A periscope is a tool you use to see things that would otherwise be hidden or obstructed. If you've ever been stuck in a submarine, curious about what's going on above water, then you've needed a periscope.

You may have heard -scope used with other words that have to do with seeing things, as it means "a viewing instrument." You use a telescope to look at stars and a microscope to look at teeny, tiny cells. A periscope is a tool that helps you see around what is an otherwise blocked view. It's often shaped like an "L" and can help you keep an eye on when your teacher will be rounding the corner!

Definitions of periscope

noun an optical instrument that provides a view of an otherwise obstructed field see moresee less type of: optical instrument an instrument designed to aid vision

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Vocabulary lists containing periscope

Power Suffix: -scope

Have a close look at this list of words that include the suffix -scope, meaning "an instrument for observing." The Latinized scopium derives from the Greek skopein, "to look, to examine."

2015 Spelling Bee - Words from Round 2

Words from Round 2 of the 2015 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Full list is here.

Around and Around: Peri

Make the rounds with these lists of prefixes that all have to do with things that go around: circum, ambi, peri

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