An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. The technique or art of drawing three-dimensional objects on a flat surface so that to give the right impression of their relative sizes and distances. A drawing so made.
   

2. Of, or pertaining to the art of perspective.

Etymology (EN): From M.Fr. perspective, from M.L. (ars) perspectiva “science of optics,” from feminine of perspectivus “of sight, optical” from L. perspectus, p.p. of perspicere “to inspect, look through,” from → per- “through” + specere “to look at,” → prospect.

Etymology (PE): Pargâsmandi, from pargâsmand, from pargâs, from par-, → per-, + gâs, “to look at,” → prospect,

• -mand possession suffix, from Mid.Pers. -omand; O.Pers./Av. -mant; cf. Skt. -mant or -ik, → -ic.