Monocular vs. Spyglass — What's the Difference?

A monocular is a modified refracting telescope used to magnify the images of distant objects by passing light through a series of lenses and usually also prisms. Most modern monoculars use prisms instead of relay lenses to ensure an erect image, resulting in a lightweight, compact telescope.

A small telescope.

Having or relating to one eye.

Often spyglasses A pair of binoculars.

Of, relating to, or intended for use by only one eye

A small portable telescope.

Having one eye.

A pair of binoculars.

Related to a monocle.

A small telescope for viewing distant terrestrial objects.

Of any optical system suitable for use by one eye at a time.

A small refracting telescope

(rare) A monocle.

(retronym) A monocular telescope, as opposed to binoculars.

Having only one eye; with one eye only; as, monocular vision.

Adapted to be used with only one eye at a time; as, a monocular microscope.