Main Entry:

spec·ta·cle

Pronunciation:

\ˈspek-ti-kəl also -ˌti-kəl\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin spectaculum, from spectare to watch, frequentative of specere to look, look at — more at spy

Date:

14th century

1 a: something exhibited to view as unusual, notable, or entertaining ; especially : an eye-catching or dramatic public display b: an object of curiosity or contempt <made a spectacle of herself>2plural : glasses3: something (as natural markings on an animal) suggesting a pair of glasses