Etymology

Recorded since 1381 , from Old - or perspectiva ars "science of optics", the feminine of perspectivus "of sight, optical", from perspectus, the past participle of perspicere "to inspect, look through", itself from from per- "through" + specere "to look at"; the noun sense was influenaced or mediated by prospettiva, from prospetto 'prspect', itself from the above Latin prosecere

Noun

1. A view, vista or outlook.
2. The appearance of depth in objects, especially as perceived using binocular vision.
3. The technique of representing three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface.
4. The choice of a single angle or point of view from which to sense, categorize, measure or codify experience.
5. The ability to consider things in such relative perspective
6. A perspective optical glass, as used in a telescope
7. By analogy, sound recording technique to adjust and integrate sound sources seemingly naturally

Related terms

• perspicacious
• perspicacity
• perspicuity
• perspicuous
• perspicuously

Adjective

1. providing visual aid
2. of, in or relating to perspective