spectacle

[spek-tuh-kuh l] /ˈspɛk tə kəl/
noun
1.
anything presented to the sight or view, especially something of a striking or impressive kind:
The stars make a fine spectacle tonight.
2.
a public show or display, especially on a large scale:
The coronation was a lavish spectacle.
3.
spectacles, eyeglasses, especially with pieces passing over or around the ears for holding them in place.
4.
Often, spectacles.
  1. something resembling spectacles in shape or function.
  2. any of various devices suggesting spectacles, as one attached to a semaphore to display lights or different colors by colored glass.
5.
Obsolete. a spyglass.
Idioms
6.
make a spectacle of oneself, to call attention to one's unseemly behavior; behave foolishly or badly in public:
They tell me I made a spectacle of myself at the party last night.
Origin
1300-50; Middle English < Latin spectāculum a sight, spectacle, derivative of spectāre, frequentative of specere to look, regard. See -cle2
Related forms
spectacleless, adjective
spectaclelike, adjective
superspectacle, noun
Synonyms
1. marvel, wonder, sight, show.
Examples from the web for spectacles
  • The ubiquity of digital spectacles and curiosities today is one reason performance art has had its thunder stolen.
  • The problem with growing these giants is they are spectacles.
  • Under an electron microscope, bugs balloon into terrifying yet beautiful spectacles.
  • Under an electron microscope, however, they balloon into terrifying yet beautiful spectacles.
  • Smart phones and spectacles can add to what your eyes see.
  • Traditionally used for wrapping gifts or taping broken spectacles back together, it has another amazing talent.
  • These were spectacles of discrete yet interdependent parts.
  • They can also make worthwhile savings on books, do-it-yourself items and even spectacles.
  • Few spectacles in nature are more riveting than a sea lion feasting on a jumbo salmon.
  • For many, especially in developing countries, spectacles are an out-of-reach luxury.
British Dictionary definitions for spectacles

spectacles

/ˈspɛktəkəlz/
plural noun
1.
a pair of glasses for correcting defective vision Often (informal) shortened to specs
2.
(cricket) pair of spectacles, a score of 0 in each innings of a match

spectacle

/ˈspɛktəkəl/
noun
1.
a public display or performance, esp a showy or ceremonial one
2.
a thing or person seen, esp an unusual or ridiculous one: he makes a spectacle of himself
3.
a strange or interesting object or phenomenon
4.
(modifier) of or relating to spectacles: a spectacle case
See also spectacles
Word Origin
C14: via Old French from Latin spectaculum a show, from spectāre to watch, from specere to look at
Word Origin and History for spectacles
n.

"glass lenses to help a person's sight," early 15c., from plural of spectacle.

spectacle

n.

mid-14c., "specially prepared or arranged display," from Old French spectacle, from Latin spectaculum "a show, spectacle," from spectare "to view, watch," frequentative form of specere "to look at," from PIE *spek- "to observe" (see scope (n.1)).

spectacles in Medicine

spectacles spec·ta·cles (spěk'tə-kəlz)
n.
See glass.