Small telescope (8) Crossword Clue
Answer:SPYGLASS (8 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Small telescope" with 8 letters is "SPYGLASS". A spyglass is a small, portable telescope, often used for viewing distant objects, particularly in maritime settings, to spot ships or land. It was historically popular among sailors and explorers for its compact size and ease of use.
Why “Spyglass” Fits
The clue asks for an 8-letter word meaning “small telescope.” The answer, SPYGLASS, fits neatly:
- Small telescope: A “spyglass” is a simple, portable telescope, historically used by sailors and explorers for viewing distant objects.
- Compact design: Unlike bulky observatory telescopes, a spyglass is small enough to be carried by hand, easily fitting the clue’s description.
This clear, direct definition makes “SPYGLASS” a precise and elegant solution.
The word “spyglass” dates back to the early 18th century:
- Origins: It combines “spy” (to look at intently or secretly) and “glass” (referring to the lens).
- Usage: Spyglasses were particularly associated with sea captains and pirates, who used them to scan the horizon for ships or land.
- Literary reference: The term is memorable from works like “Treasure Island,” where characters famously use spyglasses to spot ships from afar.
So the word “spyglass” naturally bridges the ideas of a small, hand-held telescope and the concept of observation or exploration.
In quick crosswords, clues like “small telescope” usually:
- Seek a single noun that specifies a type or size of the instrument (spyglass vs. binoculars vs. refractor).
- Contain no wordplay: the answer is a direct synonym.
- Fit the required letter count, which here confirms the longer “spyglass” rather than shorter options like “viewer” or “finder.”
A useful approach is to think of classic or historical terms for common objects, especially those connected to adventurous contexts like sailing or exploration.
