Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Barlow lens

noun

Definition of Barlow lens 

: a diverging lens used to increase the magnifying power of a telescope

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for Barlow lens

after Peter Barlow †1862 English mathematician and optician

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Barlow lens

Share Barlow lens

Resources for Barlow lens

Cite Time Traveler Time Traveler! Explore the year a word first appeared

Dictionary Entries near Barlow lens

barlow

Barlow

Barlow's plate

Barlow lens

barm

bar magnet

barmaid

Statistics for Barlow lens

Look-up Popularity

Comments on Barlow lens

What made you want to look up Barlow lens? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

superjacent

lying above or upon

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Citation

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games