Herschelian telescope

noun

: a reflecting telescope in which the need for a secondary mirror is avoided by tilting the primary mirror slightly and thereby throwing the focused image to the side where it can be observed without obstruction to the incoming light rays

called also off-axis reflector

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Herschelian telescope

Cite this Entry

“Herschelian telescope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Herschelian%20telescope. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!