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glasses

n.
US //ˈɡɫæsəz// UK //ɡlˈɑːsɪz// glass·es
  1. 1 eyewear (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a pair of lenses in a frame that you wear on your face to help you see better.

    a pair of corrective lenses mounted in a frame and worn in front of the eyes to improve vision.

    Example

    I need to wear my glasses when I read the newspaper.

    Example

    After the eye examination, the optometrist suggested that she might need reading glasses to alleviate her frequent headaches.

    Usage

    Always plural; takes a plural verb unless preceded by 'a pair of'.

    Pitfall
    I bought a new glasses yesterday.
    I bought a new pair of glasses yesterday.

    The word 'glasses' is plural; use 'a pair of' to refer to one item.

  2. 2 optical instruments (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    instruments like binoculars used to see things that are far away.

    optical instruments consisting of two lenses, such as binoculars or field glasses, used for long-distance viewing.

    Example

    He used his field glasses to watch the birds in the trees.

    Example

    The captain raised his glasses to the horizon, searching for any sign of the approaching fleet through the morning mist.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'field glasses'.

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