monocular

Etymology

mono- + ocular

adj

1. Having one eye.
2. Related to a monocle.
   You are not such a foolish woman as to like to be seen with Fred Mostyn, that little monocular snob, after the aristocratic, handsome Basil Stanhope. 1906, Amelia Barr, The Man Between
3. Of any optical system suitable for use by one eye at a time.

noun

1. (rare) A monocle.
2. (retronym) A monocular telescope, as opposed to binoculars.
   Monoculars are designed to fit discreetly in the hand, improving their cosmetic appearance. Most monoculars sold today have one primary optical difference from binoculars: the ability to focus at close range. These are known as short-focus telescopes. 2010, Duane R. Geruschat, Audrey J. Smith, “Low Vision for Orientation and Mobility”, in Foundations of Orientation and Mobility, 3rd edition, volumes 1: History and Theory, New York: American Foundation for the Blind, page 75