aperture
noun
ap·er·ture
ˈa-pər-ˌchu̇r 
ˈa-pə-,
-chər,
-ˌtyu̇r,
-ˌtu̇r
1
: an opening or open space : hole
entered the cave through a narrow aperture
2
a
: the opening in a photographic lens that admits the light
b
: the diameter of the stop in an optical system that determines the diameter of the bundle of rays traversing the instrument
c
: the diameter of the objective lens or mirror of a telescope
Examples of aperture in a Sentence
We entered the cave through a narrow aperture.
The photograph was taken using a fast shutter speed and a large aperture.
Recent Examples on the Web
When conditions are right, synthetic aperture sonar is capable of ultra-high-resolution imagery similar to this unidentified shipwreck off Nantucket, Massachusetts.
—
Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 29 Mar. 2024
The date resides at 3 o’clock, while the month is represented by filling in one of the apertures at the end of each hour marker (the 12 hours representing the 12 months).
—Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 21 June 2024
The main camera enjoys an aperture of f/1.8 and has optical image stabilization (OIS).
—PCMAG, 20 June 2024
The problem is how to synthesize these different images together, and the technique is literally known as aperture synthesis.
—Big Think, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for aperture 
Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 29 Mar. 2024
The date resides at 3 o’clock, while the month is represented by filling in one of the apertures at the end of each hour marker (the 12 hours representing the 12 months).
—Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 21 June 2024
The main camera enjoys an aperture of f/1.8 and has optical image stabilization (OIS).
—PCMAG, 20 June 2024
The problem is how to synthesize these different images together, and the technique is literally known as aperture synthesis.
—Big Think, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for aperture
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aperture.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near aperture
Cite this Entry
“Aperture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aperture. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
aperture
noun
ap·er·ture
ˈap-ə(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r
-chər
1
: an opening or open space : hole
2
a
: the opening in a camera lens that allows light through
b
: the diameter of the opening in a camera lens
Medical Definition
aperture
noun
ap·er·ture
ˈap-ə(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər, -ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r
1
: an opening or open space
2
: the diameter of the stop in an optical system that determines the diameter of the bundle of rays traversing the instrument
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