magnifying glass

noun

1. a lens that produces an enlarged image of an object.

magnifying glass

noun

1. a convex lens used to produce an enlarged image of an object

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnifying glass¹

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

As most Angelenos will know, the further you move inland, the more the sun feels like someone’s shoved a magnifying glass in front of it.

From Los Angeles Times

“This is very different from other philanthropy. We have a different magnifying glass looking at us,” Reale said.

From Los Angeles Times

Pattern maker Mar Marcote has been with the business 42 years and still uses a magnifying glass to examine each item of clothing before it finally goes into production.

From BBC

Here, four of Bravo’s most familiar faces must put their mistakes under a magnifying glass to assess what they want from a partner.

From Salon

Designed for simplicity and consistency, the labels feature a black-and-white magnifying glass icon.

From Salon