a. and sb. [f. L. bīnī two each + oculī eyes + -AR; cf. F. binoculaire.]

1

  † 1.  Having two eyes; binoculate. ? Obs.

2

1713.  Derham, Phys. Theol., VIII. iii. (1754), 361. Most animals are binocular, Spiders for the most Part octonocular.

3

  2.  Performed by or adapted to both eyes.

4

1738.  R. Smith, Opticks, 387. This observation gave rise to the contrivance of a binocular telescope.

5

1876.  Foster, Phys., III. ii. (1879), 509. Binocular vision … affords us a means of judging of the solidity of objects.

6

1879.  Rutley, Stud. Rocks, vii. 47. Many observers prefer to work with binocular microscopes.

7

1879.  Rood, Chromatics, 160. Binocular mixture of colours produces more or less lustre.

8

  B.  sb. (Short for binocular glass.) A field-glass or opera-glass in the use of which both eyes are employed in viewing an object; a BINOCLE. Also applied to a binocular microscope.

9

1871.  M. Collins, Mrq. & Merch., III. iv. 114. I shall keep this binocular.

10

1877.  W. Thomson, Voy. Challenger, I. i. 15. One of Smith and Beck’s binoculars is more convenient for observing … large foraminifera, by reflected light.

11