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coude telescope

coude telescope

9.3
A telescope with mirrors that sends light to a fixed point for a camera or an instrument that measures light
  • noun
  • /kuːˈdeɪ ˈtɛlɪskoʊp/
  • Specialized
translation icon : telescopio coudé
  • The observatory installed a coude telescope to enable high-resolution spectrographic studies.

Examples

  • Unlike other designs, a coude telescope directs the light path to a stationary laboratory setup.

  • Researchers used the coude telescope for long-exposure observations due to its stable focal point.

  • The coude telescope is essential for modern astrophysics.

  • Have you ever used a coude telescope before?

  • Researchers used the coude telescope for long-exposure observations due to its stable focal point.

  • The observatory installed a coude telescope to enable high-resolution spectrographic studies.

  • A coude telescope is often preferred in astrophysical research because it directs light to a fixed focus.

Synonyms

coude system
vscoude telescope
  • Specialized
9.9

Part of a telescope that directs light to a fixed place for a camera or instrument to study light

is the instrument built with that arrangement to hold spectrographs or plates
coudé
vscoude telescope
  • Specialized
9.9

A telescope setup that bends light to a fixed point so instruments stay still

is the instrument form of that arrangement used for plate or spectrograph work

Surface Forms

Morphology

coude + telescope

The modifier 'coude' is a specialized, non‑transparent loanword (not attested in the provided dictionary entry) and does not convey a clear, general meaning to a B1 learner. Even knowing 'telescope', a learner would not be able to derive the technical sense of a reflecting instrument with light routed to a fixed focus (used with plate holders or spectrographs), so the phrase is not compositionally predictable.

Etymology

The noun coude telescope gets its name from the French word coude, meaning 'elbow', because its mirrors bend the path of light like an elbow bends an arm and send the light to a single 'fixed spot'. This keeps instruments still at that 'fixed spot', so the telescope is ideal for long exposures and precise instruments like a spectrograph.