single-lens
UK[ˈsɪŋɡl lenz]US[ˈsɪŋɡl lenz]
adj
Having or using only one lens, especially in reference to a camera or optical device.
Morpheme Breakdown
single
lens
single
one
lens
optical piece
Etymology
The compound adjective 'single-lens' is a modern technical term formed by directly combining two English words of Latin origin. 'Single' traces back to the Latin singulus, meaning 'one' or 'individual', which itself may derive from the Proto-Indo-European root sem- (one). 'Lens' comes from the Latin word for 'lentil' (lens), as the shape of a convex optical glass resembled the legume. The compound logically describes a device, most famously a camera (SLR: Single-Lens Reflex), that utilizes only one optical lens for both viewing and taking a picture, contrasting with twin-lens systems.
Analysis
Structure: single (one) + lens (optical piece)
- single: From Latin singulus (one, individual). Functional role: Adjective-forming base meaning 'one' or 'only one'.
- lens: From Latin lens (lentil, due to the shape). Functional role: Noun base referring to the piece of glass or other transparent material with curved sides for concentrating or dispersing light rays.
Examples
The single-lens reflex camera allows photographers to see exactly what the film will capture.
This microscope is a single-lens design, making it simple and portable.
Early smartphones featured a single-lens camera, unlike today's multi-lens systems.