spectacle definition - Dictionary

MSN homeMailMy MSN

encartagreeting cards

encarta®

Dictionary

Thesaurus

Translations

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

specious

speck

speckle

speckle interferometry

Also available:

World English Dictionary
Dictionnaire Français

spectacle

spec·ta·cle [ spéktək'l ]

noun (plural spec·ta·cles)

Definition:

1. something remarkable that can be seen: an object, phenomenon, or event that is witnessed, especially one that is impressive, unusual, or disturbing

2. lavish display: an impressive performance or display, especially something staged as a form of entertainment

3. unpleasant center of attention: somebody or something that attracts attention by being unpleasant or ridiculous

You are making a spectacle of yourself.

plural noun spec·ta·cles

Definition:

eyeglasses: a pair of glass or plastic lenses worn in a frame in front of the eyes to help correct imperfect vision

[14th century. Via French< Latin spectaculum< spectare "to watch" < specere "look at"]

Word History


	The Latin word specere "to look at" and its stem spect-, from which spectacle is derived, are also the source of English aspect, circumspect, conspectus, conspicuous, despise, expect, inspect, perspective, prospect, respect, specimen, specter, spectrum, and suspect.