lens

[/lɛnz/]
nounfemininepl: lenses
lente
1. A curved piece of glass or plastic used in optical instruments to focus or disperse light rays
The camera lens needs to be cleaned regularly.
A lente da câmera precisa ser limpa regularmente.
2. The transparent part of the eye that focuses light onto the retina
A cataract clouds the eye's natural lens.
Uma catarata embaça a lente natural do olho.
3. A way of viewing or perceiving something; a perspective or viewpoint
We need to examine this issue through a different lens.
Precisamos examinar esta questão sob uma perspectiva diferente.
4. A contact lens worn directly on the eye to correct vision
She wears soft contact lenses instead of glasses.
Ela usa lentes de contato moles em vez de óculos.
In Brazil, 'lente' is universally used for optical and contact lenses. The optical industry is significant in both Brazil and the USA, with contact lenses being increasingly popular. The metaphorical use of 'lens' as perspective is widely understood in professional and academic contexts in both cultures.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
opticglassperspectiveviewpoint

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
lente
Standard term used throughout Brazil for optical lenses and contact lenses
Rio de Janeiro
lente
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
lente
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese
Portugal
lente
Also 'vidro' in some contexts; 'lente de contato' is the standard term for contact lenses

Related Words

opticalfocusrefractioncornearetinamicroscopetelescopespectacles

Related Idioms & Phrases

through the lens of (something) - sob a perspectiva de, pela ótica de
wide-angle lens - lente grande angular
zoom lens - lente de zoom/lente aproximadora
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