An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A lens or lens system that produces an enlarged virtual image of an object placed near its front focal point. According to Enoch (1998, SPIE vol. 3299, p. 424), the earliest lenses identified are from the IV/V Dynasties of Egypt,
dating back to about 4,500 years ago (e.g., the eyes of the Louvre statue Le scribe accroupi
and other examples located in the Cairo Museum). For more information see → burning sphere.

Etymology (EN): Magnifying, verbal adj. of → magnify; → glass.

Etymology (PE): Zarrebin, from zarré “a minute thing,” → particle,

• bin “seer; to see” (present stem of didan;
  Mid.Pers. wyn-; O.Pers. vain- “to see;” Av. vaēn- “to see;”
  Skt. veda “I know;” Gk. oida “I know,” idein “to see;” L. videre “to see;” PIE base *weid- “to know, to see”).