lens

• Dispositif optique transparent utilisé pour faire converger ou diverger la lumière et former des images ; également employé métaphoriquement pour désigner un canal ou une perspective à travers laquelle on observe ou comprend quelque chose.

A transparent optical device used to converge or diverge transmitted light and to form images; also used metaphorically to describe a channel through which something can be seen or understood.

pluriel irrégulier

1. Optical deviceB1formalscientific

   A transparent piece of glass or other material with curved surfaces that focuses or disperses light rays to form an image.

   Lentille optique

   • The photographer cleaned the camera lens before taking the shot.
   • A magnifying glass uses a convex lens to enlarge objects.
   • Telescopes use multiple lenses to observe distant stars.

2. Metaphorical viewpointB2formal

   A particular way of seeing, interpreting, or understanding something.

   point de vue, prisme

   • We should view the problem through a different lens.
   • The documentary offers a unique lens on modern history.
   • Through the lens of psychology, his behavior makes sense.

   Synonymesanglefilterframeinterpretationoutlookperspectiveprismslantstandpointviewpoint

3. Eye lensB2formalmedical

   The transparent, biconvex structure in the eye that focuses light onto the retina.

   Cristallin

   • The eye's lens changes shape to focus on near or far objects.
   • Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy.
   • The doctor examined the lens for any signs of damage.

   Synonymescrystalline lens

4. Electron lensC1formalscientific

   An electronic device that uses magnetic or electric fields to focus a beam of electrons, used in electron microscopes.

   Lentille électronique

   • The electron microscope uses magnetic lenses to focus the beam.
   • Engineers designed a new lens for the particle accelerator.
   • The electron lens system requires precise calibration.