Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope

Noun · /kəˈlaɪ.də.skəʊp/

Definition

An optical toy or instrument containing mirrors and pieces of coloured glass or other material whose reflections produce changing patterns when the tube is rotated; any complex, rapidly changing pattern or scene.

Origin

Coined in 1817 by Sir David Brewster, who patented the device, from Greek kalos (beautiful) + eidos (form, shape) + skopein (to look at, to observe). The Greek elements mean 'beautiful form to observe'. Brewster named and patented the device in 1816–1817.