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camera obscura

noun cam·era ob·scu·ra \ -əb-ˈskyu̇r-ə \

Definition of camera obscura

: a darkened enclosure having an aperture usually provided with a lens through which light from external objects enters to form an image of the objects on the opposite surface

Recent Examples of camera obscura from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'camera obscura.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of camera obscura

New Latin, literally, dark chamber

Learn More about camera obscura

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about camera obscura

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