monocular

optical instrument

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

A monocular is an optical instrument designed for use with a single eye. It can be a standalone device or one half of a pair of binoculars. The term "monocular" itself means "of, involving, or affecting a single eye".12

In the context of microscopes, a basic compound microscope is often monocular, featuring a single tube with an objective lens at one end and a single eyepiece at the other. While binocular microscopes offer greater comfort and improved visual acuity by allowing the use of both eyes, monocular microscopes are simpler in design.34

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binoculars
…a single telescope, called a monocular, may be employed. It is essentially one-half of a pair of binoculars and usually incorporates prisms in the light path.
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…a single telescope, called a monocular, may be employed. It is essentially one-half of a pair of binoculars and usually incorporates prisms in the light path.
Read More