Panoptic means providing a comprehensive or panoramic view, derived from the Greek 'panoptēs' meaning 'all-seeing'.
Panoptic describes something providing a comprehensive or panoramic view. The word comes from the Greek 'panoptēs' meaning 'all-seeing', inspired by inventions like a circular prison that allowed constant observation.
Word | panoptic |
---|---|
Date | July 22, 2007 |
Type | adjective |
Syllables | pan-OP-tik |
Etymology | The establishment of "panoptic" in the English language can be attributed to two inventions known as panopticons. The more well-known panopticon was conceived by the English philosopher Jeremy Bentham in 1787. Bentham's panopticon was a circular prison with cells arranged around a central tower from which guards could see the inmates at all times. The other panopticon, also created in the 18th century, was a device containing pictures of attractions, such as European capitals, that people viewed through an opening. Considering the views that both inventions gave, it is not hard to see why "panoptic" (a word derived from Greek "panoptēs," meaning "all-seeing") was being used by the early 19th century. |
Examples | At the top of the mountain is a sightseeing point that provides climbers with a panoptic view of the surrounding valleys. |
Definition | : being or presenting a comprehensive or panoramic view |
Tags: wordoftheday::adjective
Learn with these flashcards. Click next, previous, or up to navigate to more flashcards for this subject.
Next card: French distrait adjective word borrowed sense means july
Previous card: Meaning extirpate roots word pull latin july verb
Up to card list: Word of the Day