panopticon noun. [pan'ɒptɪk(ǝ)n] M18.
[from PAN- + Greek optikon neut. of optikos OPTIC.]
1. A kind of telescope; a combined telescope and microscope. obsolete exc. Hist. M18.

2. Hist. A circular prison with cells built round and fully exposed towards a central well, from which prisoners could at all times be observed. L18.
b. transf. & fig. A place where everything is visible; a showroom for novelties. M19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲