lens meaning and definition

LENS noun

Definition of lens (noun)

1. a transparent optical device used to converge or diverge transmitted light and to form images
   • synonyms: lens system, lense
2. genus of small erect or climbing herbs with pinnate leaves and small inconspicuous white flowers and small flattened pods: lentils
   • synonyms: genus Lens
3. (metaphor) a channel through which something can be seen or understood
   • "the writer is the lens through which history can be seen"
4. biconvex transparent body situated behind the iris in the eye; its role (along with the cornea) is to focuses light on the retina
   • synonyms: crystalline lens, lens of the eye
5. electronic equipment that uses a magnetic or electric field in order to focus a beam of electrons
   • synonyms: electron lens