aperture

noun
ap·​er·​ture | \ ˈa-pər-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce aperture (audio) , ˈa-pə-, -chər, -ˌtyu̇r, -ˌtu̇r\

Definition of aperture

1 : an opening or open space : hole entered the cave through a narrow aperture
2a : the opening in a photographic lens that admits the light
b : the diameter of the stop in an optical system that determines the diameter of the bundle of rays traversing the instrument
c : the diameter of the objective lens or mirror of a telescope

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Synonyms for aperture

Synonyms

hole, opening, orifice, perforation

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Examples of aperture in a Sentence

We entered the cave through a narrow aperture. The photograph was taken using a fast shutter speed and a large aperture.

Recent Examples on the Web

What Wide Area Motion Imagery does is expand the aperture. Lila Maclellan, Quartz, "The Pentagon is testing powerful mass-surveillance balloons above six US states," 3 Aug. 2019 This week’s session will explore aperture and differential focus in creating images. Houston Chronicle, "The Go List: Sad Summer Festival, Felipe Esparza," 3 July 2019 The main camera has an aperture of f/1.6 and optical image stabilization. Dallas News, "OnePlus 7 Pro is a flagship phone priced way below the competition," 11 July 2019 Vandebergh captured his photos with his satellite photography rig, consisting of a 10-inch F/4,8 aperture Newtonian telescope with an Astrolumina ALccd 5L-11 mono CMOS camera. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Space Photographer Snaps Pictures of Secretive X-37B in Orbit," 9 July 2019 Neil also photographed a lot of everyday people in the community: A young black couple, dressed in low slung jeans and embracing, looking far past the aperture. Liana Satenstein, Vogue, "Where Is Neil Malcolm Roberts?," 29 June 2019 The larger the window or other aperture to increase visibility, the greater the possibility it could be penetrated by incoming tank projectiles, small caliber rounds, or artillery shrapnel. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "All-Seeing HD Cameras Could Solve Tanks' Biggest Weakness," 17 Apr. 2019 These headphones also feature 45mm large-aperture drivers that offer a deep, accurate bass response. Popular Mechanics, "Get Deep Black Friday Discounts on These 10 Headphones and Earbuds," 15 Nov. 2018 Filled with desolate vistas, a feathered and furred menagerie, and multiple aperture-like windows, these fragments quickly establish a moody tone and over time become dolorous refrains. Manohla Dargis, New York Times, "Review: The Persistence of Abbas Kiarostami’s Vision in ‘24 Frames’," 1 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aperture.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of aperture

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for aperture

Middle English, borrowed from Latin apertūra, from apertus, past participle of aperīre "to open" + -ūra -ure — more at aperient

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More Definitions for aperture

aperture

noun

English Language Learners Definition of aperture

formal : a hole or small opening in something
technical : an opening that controls the amount of light that passes through a lens (such as a camera lens)

aperture

noun
ap·​er·​ture | \ ˈa-pər-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce aperture (audio) \

Kids Definition of aperture

: an opening or open space : hole

aperture

noun
ap·​er·​ture | \ ˈap-ə(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər, -ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r How to pronounce aperture (audio) \

Medical Definition of aperture

1 : an opening or open space
2 : the diameter of the stop in an optical system that determines the diameter of the bundle of rays traversing the instrument

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