camera

¹

[kam-er-uh, kam-ruh]

noun

1. a device for capturing a photographic image or recording a video, using film or digital memory.

2. (in a television transmitting apparatus) the device in which the picture to be televised is formed before it is changed into electric impulses.

adjective

1. Printing.,  camera-ready.

camera

²

[kam-er-uh]

noun

plural

camerae 

1. a judge's private office.

camera

/ ˈkæmrə, ˈkæmərə /

noun

1. an optical device consisting of a lens system set in a light-proof construction inside which a light-sensitive film or plate can be positioned See also cine camera digital camera

2. television the equipment used to convert the optical image of a scene into the corresponding electrical signals

3. See camera obscura

4. a judge's private room

5. 1. law relating to a hearing from which members of the public are excluded

   2. in private

6. not within an area being filmed

7. (esp of an actor) being filmed

Word History and Origins

Origin of camera¹

First recorded in 1730–40; shortening of camera obscura ( def. ); 1840-45 camera ¹ for def. 1; utimately from Latin camera “vaulted room, vault”; see camera ² ( def. )

Origin of camera²

First recorded in 1630–40; for earlier sense “vaulted room,” from Latin, from Greek kamára “vault, vaulted room”; see chamber ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of camera¹

C18: from Latin: vault, from Greek kamara

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on camera, being filmed or televised by a live camera.

   Be sure to look alert when you are on camera.

2. off camera,

   1. out of the range of a video camera, as a television or motion picture camera.

      The stunt woman was waiting just off camera for her cue to enter the scene.

   2. (of an actor) in one’s private rather than professional life.

      The two co-stars are best friends off camera.

3. in camera,

   1. Law. in the privacy of a judge's chambers.

   2. privately.

Example Sentences

The camera cuts to a blue-tinted law enforcement badge as the words, “You took an oath to protect and serve” flash on the screen.

From Los Angeles Times

There are three of them in the car, which does a U-turn right in front of ours - but we manage to hide our camera.

From BBC

A far-right political activist released hidden camera footage this week of a Justice Department official claiming the agency would redact the names of Republicans, but not Democrats, identified in the files.

From Los Angeles Times

Behtiyar, in her debut feature, is spectacular, eyes fiery, her expression often inscrutable, body in constant motion as Cheng’s camera follows close behind.

From Los Angeles Times

For Doherty, who showed an interest in photography, Jones went with a Polaroid camera and the suggestion he make a scrapbook from the shoot.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• camcorder