Word of the Day

: October 10, 2012

lenticular

adjective len-TIK-yuh-ler

What It Means

1 : having the shape of a double-convex lens

2 : of or relating to a lens

3 : provided with or utilizing lenticules

lenticular in Context

Amateur astronomers might be interested in what the observatory markets as the "largest lenticular telescope on Earth."

"Recently installed in the tunnel was a lenticular motion mural consisting of 135 individual 8-inch tiles with ribbed lenses created by world renowned Boston artist Rufus Butler Seder." - From an article by N. Kirsch in the Belleville News-Democrat (Illinois), June 24, 2012

Did You Know?

"Lentil-shaped"-that's the meaning of "lenticularis," the Latin word that gave us today's word. It's an appropriate predecessor because a double-convex lens is one that is curved on both sides, giving it a shape similar to that of a lentil. English speakers borrowed the Latin term, adapting it to "lenticular," in the 15th century. "Lenticularis," in turn, derives from "lenticula," which is the source of the English word "lentil" and a diminutive of the Latin form "lent-, lens," meaning "lentil." You probably won't be too surprised to learn that "lent-, lens" also gave English the word "lens."