noun
spectacle
An optical aid worn over the eyes to improve vision.
He cleans his spectacles before reading.
Etymology
The Latin word concerns what is seen. The optical use developed for an aid to seeing, most commonly in the plural spectacles.
More examples
- A spectacle lens fell from the frame.
- She placed the spectacles in their case.
- The optician adjusted one spectacle arm.
Forms
spectacle · spectacles
Similar words
- glasses
- Glasses is the ordinary modern term.
- eyewear
- Eyewear includes protective devices beyond corrective glasses.