English · Body & Health
contact lens
/ˈkɒn.tækt ˌlenz/
[/ˈkɒn.tækt ˌlenz/]
lens worn on the eye
Intermediatenoun
Definition
A thin, curved piece of plastic placed directly on the surface of the eye to correct vision.
Example
He prefers contact lenses to glasses because they do not slip when he plays sports.
He prefers contact lenses to glasses because they do not slip when he plays sports.
Etymology
A compound of 'contact' (Latin 'contactus', a touching) and 'lens' (Latin for 'lentil', from its shape).
How & Where It’s Used
Used in optometry and everyday discussion of vision correction.