Telescoped

Telescoped is the past participle of telescope and is used as both a verb and an adjective. As a verb, to telescope means to slide or fit one object inside another so that the overall length is reduced, or to compress a sequence of events in time. As an adjective, telescoped describes objects or narratives that have been shortened, nested, or condensed in this way.

In engineering and manufacturing, telescoped components are nested, sliding parts such as tubes, rails, or pistons that extend or retract. Common examples include telescoping antennas, masts, and hydraulic cylinders, where inner members slide within outer members to achieve variable length.

In writing and history, telescoping refers to the shortcutting of a time span or a complex sequence, presenting essential outcomes while omitting intermediate steps.

Etymology: The word derives from telescope, from Greek tele- "far" and skopos "watcher" (to look). The form "telescoped" reflects standard English derivation for verbs formed from nouns and "to telescope." The meaning of shortening length can apply to physical length or time.

See also: telescope, telescoping.