telescoping
[/ˈtɛlɪˌskoʊpɪŋ/]
adjective/verb (gerund)/noun
telescópico; retrátil; compressão; sobreposição
1. (adjective) Capable of being extended and retracted by sliding one part into another, like a telescope
The telescoping antenna on the radio can be adjusted for better reception.
A antena telescópica no rádio pode ser ajustada para melhor recepção.
2. (verb - gerund) The act of sliding or compressing sections into one another to reduce size
The telescoping of the metal tubes made the ladder more portable.
A compressão dos tubos de metal tornou a escada mais portátil.
3. (verb - gerund) Overlapping or compressing time periods or sequences
The telescoping of events in the narrative made the story feel rushed.
A compressão dos eventos na narrativa fez a história parecer apressada.
4. (noun) A collision where one vehicle slides under another due to impact force
A telescoping accident involved three cars on the highway.
Um acidente com compressão envolveu três carros na rodovia.
In Brazilian automotive contexts, 'telescoping' is commonly used when discussing vehicle safety features (telescoping steering columns). In general American English, it's prevalent in product design and engineering. The term has gained popularity in both cultures with the rise of portable/compact technology. Portuguese uses 'telescópico' similarly but with the spelling variation 'retráctil' in Portugal.
Related Idioms & Phrases
telescoping effect - compression or merging of similar elements
telescoping series - mathematical sequence in finance/economics
telescoping lens - adjustable focus mechanism
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